OYO NUJ 2025: Only God Will Determine My Successor – DEMBAB
Demola Babalola, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo state council popularly known as DEMBAB, has declared that the emergence of his successor will be devoid of his influence.
He spoke on Sunday during the grand reception for the newly inaugurated executive of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter, led by its Chairperson Mrs. Omolola Alamu, held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall of the NUJ Press Centre in Ibadan.
He stated, “Only God will determine the number one journalist in the state, come 2025.”
Babalola’s declaration dispels rumours that he was scheming for an anointed candidate to succeed him in the upcoming election, emphasising his impartiality.
Babalola, called out three aspirants who were already making consultations for the chairmanship position in the union; Olusola Oladapo (current Secretary of the union), Akeem Abas(Treasurer), and Raji Adebayo(Chairman Correspondents Chapel) and treated them to the dance floor with a hit track by King Ayinde Wasiu laced with the message of ‘Vote and not Fight’ as he sprayed them with naira notes.
With his second term tenure ending next year, Babalola announced, “I have no anointed candidate amongst the three,” urging them to avoid campaigns of rancour.
He added, “When the time comes, we’ll all sit and decide who leads the council, I have no anointed candidate but I want to assure you that the person that will emerge as Oyo nuj chairman will be from within.For me, I have no favourite or anointed candidate, only God will determine the next leader.”
Babalola boasted about the successful conduct of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter led by Ayomiku Ajibola and NAWOJ elections.
He assured that the election for his successor would be just as smooth.
“We have weather the storm of NAWOJ election, what next is my Successor, and that will happen at ease and there will not be any friction or division.” He stated
He cautioned against causing unrest within the union for political ambitions, emphasising, “The NUJ Oyo state is one and will remain undivided.”
