Tinubu-Ojo Resolves Butchers Union Crisis, As Sola Adetele Emerges as Interim Lagos Chair
Following his appointment by the National body, Adetele expressed his commitment to fostering an inclusive administration that prioritizes the welfare of all members while collaborating closely with the national body of the union.
Adetele also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Iyaloja General, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, acknowledging her wisdom and motherly guidance, which were instrumental in resolving the protracted leadership crisis within the union.
His appointment follows the resolution of a conflict that had plagued the organisation, marked by the failed attempts of the faction led by the immediate past state Chairman, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, to withdraw from the national body.
On Monday, Tinubu-Ojo facilitated a truce between the warring factions—one led by Kazeem, who sought independence from the national body, and the other faction, which remained committed to its affiliation as outlined in the union’s constitution.
The meeting included representatives from the national body, including High Chief John Osemede Adun, the National President, and the Southwest Coordinator.
After listening to the various viewpoints, Tinubu-Ojo counselled, “Since the state body pledged allegiance to the national body and was inaugurated by the same, the Kazeem group should embrace peace and work collaboratively with the national body.”
She cautioned against greed and betrayal among leaders and emphasized the importance of resolving disputes swiftly to prevent escalation into violence or public unrest. “Only in an atmosphere of peace can growth occur,” she stated.
Tinubu-Ojo had earlier asked the Southwest Coordinator to present relevant sections of the union’s constitution, reinforcing the necessity for unity, which received loud applause from members and stakeholders.
She reiterated that welfare should be distributed fairly among all members, condemning alleged practices of favouring only loyalists.
All parties ultimately agreed to work together as a cohesive union, dedicated to providing quality meat to the nation while ensuring members’ welfare.
The union has faced a tumultuous history of leadership crises, involving numerous police interventions and court cases. In response to the resolution, Chief Adun stated that the union is now better positioned for effectiveness, urging the new interim Chairman to unite all members for a stronger future.
Adun remarked, “We had a problem of greed and power-drunk leadership. The former President overstayed his tenure, using police to fight the union. Iyaloja General Folashade Tinubu-Ojo has been appointed as our Matron due to her integral role in resolving our issues. I have advised Kazeem to reconcile with the union and support the new President, who is also his friend. Everything will work well.”
He added, “Our members must work diligently. If they do, all will be well. If not, the union has procedures for removal. The former President mismanaged union funds, and it is crucial to ensure accountability moving forward.”
Earlier, petitions and allegations regarding the extended tenure of the immediate past Chairman, Kazeem Bamidele Alabi, surfaced. He allegedly served for over ten years without making a significant impact on the union’s members, prompting calls for constitutional amendments established in 1986 by the national body.
Following a thorough discussion with both petitioners and the accused, Chief Tinubu-Ojo, along with National President Osemede Adun and other executives, oversaw the resolution of conflicts revolving around misuse of power, overdue tenure, and lack of accountability.
In conclusion, she urged both factions to maintain peace and order for the greater good of the nation, emphasizing the need for constructive conflict resolution without escalation.
Members of both the Lagos State Butchers Association and the national body praised Chief Tinubu-Ojo and all the leaders for the diplomatic approach in resolving the longstanding crisis, reinforcing that the Lagos State Butchers Association remains an affiliate of the National Butchers Association of Nigeria, guided by the union’s constitution of 1986.
