OKUN NATIONAL LEADERSHIP PAYS SOLIDARITY VISIT TO PROF. OJO AMUPITAN, SAN, INEC CHAIRMAN
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The wise counsel, solidarity, and prayers of my Okun kinsmen and women remain my greatest treasure – INEC Chairman
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A delegation of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Okun Development Association (ODA), the apex socio-cultural organisation representing the Okun-Yorubas of Kogi State, nationally and internationally, led by the President-General of the association, the pioneer Nigerian High Commissioner to Sri-Lanka, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi (Lisa of Egbe), on Tuesday, July 27, 2026, paid a solidarity courtesy visit to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, in his office at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The high-powered delegation included: Alhaji Ibrahim Adoga, ODA Deputy President-General (North); Elder Micheal Oluwadare Owonuwa, National Secretary; Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, Secretary, Elders Council; Dr. Ayo Moses, National Social Secretary; Prince Dayo Akanmode, National Treasurer; Hon. Bolanle Amupitan, Abuja Liaison Officer (a former Commissioner, Women Affairs, Kogi State); Mr Toyin George, Lokoja Liaison Officer.
Leaders of the Okun nation on the delegation included: Dr. David Oluwayomi Atte, a respectable Okun elderstatesman and former Commissioner for Education in old Kwara State in 1983; Barrister Shola Ojo, Ex- Secretary, Kogi State Government; Chief JO Yusuf, and Barrister Deji Aina.
Speaking, the President-General, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, expressed the profound joy of the Okun nation and their appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finding Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan worthy of the appointment as the Chairman of the nation’s electoral body.
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Amb. Akenson congratulated and hailed Prof. Amupitan for the national recognition confered on him to lead the Commission at a most critical period. He further noted that Prof. Amupitan, SAN, is robbed with a distinguished personality and has an enviable noble pedigree and eminent career attainment; that he exemplifies the characteristic excellence and cherished nobility of the Omoluabi ethos and character of the Okun people. He also remarked that the esteemed Chairman had, long before this new national assignment, made notable contributions to the community organizing and developmental efforts of the association by yielding his resources and expertise to the promotion of the mandate of the association and the general cause and advancement of the Okun homeland and our people.
Emphasizing the impeccable character and commitment to professionalism and ethical discipline of the Chairman, the President-General expressed the goodwill of all the Okun people in Nigeria and in diaspora to him, and the confidence of our people in his undoubted capacity to make Okun very proud and Nigeria in general on the job, by admirably delivering enduring sustainable transformation to the Commision and in restoring the trust of Nigerians in our electoral processes and the integrity of the Commission as a critical national institution of immense importance.
In his response, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, with a profound sense of pride and honour, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the delegation from his homeland for the goodwill and solidarity visit. He remarked that the visit from the leaders of his homeland and roots, was not only to him but the entire Commission, particularly considering the presence of a near-full compliment of the National Commissioners, Commission Secretary, Directors, and Technical Staff of the Chairman.
He thanked the ODA and Okun nation in general for their steadfast belief in his capacity. He noted that notwithstanding the weight of duty, enormity of the task, demand, and responsibility of the job which has the overaching goal and mandate to deepen our democracy at a most critical and challenging period for the nation, his heart remained very much connected to his roots, and that the wise counsel and prayers of his kinsmen and women are his greatest treasure.
While appreciating President Tinubu for the trust and honour of the appointment, Prof. Amupitan, SAN, expressed gratitude to God for the uncommon grace to be considered for the job amongst millions of qualified Nigerians. He stated that the opportunity calls for sober reflection for him.
He enjoined the delegation to continue to sensitize and mobilize the Okun people to take active parts in the electoral processes and perform their civic responsibility of voting. He used the opportunity to assure the delegation and Nigerians in general that elections would count under his watch
At a close door session with the Chairman, a member of the ODA delegation and Secretary of the Elders Council of the association, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, commended Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his remarkable impact in transforming the Commission and significantly boosting the morale of the staffers through the unprecedented welfare upgrade he has been able to bring about, and the improved work environment which have engendered evident calmness in the Commission, joy and happiness amongst the ranks of the personnel within the short period that he has spent in the saddles as Chairman.
The delegation prayed for continued grace and guidance of God for the Chairman on his tour of duty as he continues to unfold and deliver his agenda for mandate delivery.
Signed:
*Office of President-General, ODA*
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 28TH JULY)
