Correspondents’ Chapel Boycotts Kwara NUJ Press Centre Over Internal Crisis
KEHINDE AKINPELU ILORIN
Members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, have been directed to suspend attendance at assignments and activities taking place at the NUJ Press Centre in Ilorin pending the resolution of an internal dispute arising from the recently concluded 2026 Press Week.
The directive was part of resolutions reached during the Chapel’s congress held on Friday, May 22, 2026, where members deliberated on issues surrounding the organisation of the annual event and alleged attempts by some individuals to frustrate its success.
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In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress, the Chapel warned that sanctions would be imposed on any member who failed to comply with the directive.
The Congress also announced the blacklisting of two journalists, Abdullateef Ahmed of The Herald Newspapers and Yinka Alaya of Radio Kwara, over alleged acts of intimidation and threats targeted at invited guests and supporters of the Press Week.
According to the communiqué, members and media platforms affiliated with the Correspondents’ Chapel have been directed to discontinue professional relationships and media engagements involving the duo.
Congress specifically raised concerns over the alleged intimidation of the Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye, who reportedly travelled to Ilorin for the programme but was allegedly discouraged from attending due to fear of media backlash.
The Chapel, however, commended the Press Week Committee for what it described as the successful organisation of the 2026 Press Week activities, noting that the programme was impactful and widely appreciated by stakeholders across the state.
It also praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support towards the success of the event and acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, who served as keynote speaker during the programme.
The Congress further expressed appreciation to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for his support and encouragement to journalists during the Press Week.
While reaffirming commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism and unity among members, the Correspondents’ Chapel noted that additional measures could be considered should the situation persist.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 24TH 2026)
