Nobody can impeach me, I don’t belong to FIBAN anymore – Omilani
Members of Freelance Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) in Ogun state have impeached their chairman, Olufemi Omilani over gross misconduct and financial misappropriation.
This followed a vote of no-confidence passed on the embattled chairman by Congress of the association held on Tuesday at FIBAN secretariat, Abeokuta.
The congress accused the erstwhile chairman of gross violation of the association’s constitution and unauthorized sales of a plot of land donated to the association.
The Congress accused Omilani of selling off the association’s bus at the rate of N150, 000.The aggrieved members also accused the former chairman of siphoning the money contributed by members for the production of ID cards.
Other allegations leveled against the impeached chairman include his inability to explain how the sum of N400, 000 gotten from the Ogun state governor was shared.
According to a communique signed by 53 members who attended the congress equally impeached the state secretary, Muriziq Oluwatosin, treasurer, Ojelabi Oreoba and the publicity secretary, Olumayowa Abajigin.
The communique reads further: “The Congress was expected to address the some fundamental issues which were fall out of the National Election of Our Association which held in Ado Ekiti on 13th January, 2023 wherein Omilani attempted to singlehandedly hoodwink members of the chapter not to participate except for some members who were aspirants in the said election.
The congress was therefore called to evaluate his Administration and find a lasting solution to disagreement between some members which was brought about by his immature and naive approach to handling issues.
“Aside gross violations of our constitution which also include his deliberate promotion of a rival Association on the platforms of FIBAN. He also singlehandedly sold a plot of land donated to the Association.
Omilani could also not explain the rationale behind his decision to again sell off the Association’s caravan bus at the rate of one Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000:00) while the Administration of Comrade Desmond Nwachukwu actually replaced the gear at the rate of Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (350,000:00). He also could not justify his decision to siphon the money contributed by members for the purpose of identity cards.
His inability to explain how he shared the Four Hundred Thousand Naira (400,000:00) he got from Governor Dapo Abiodun through the leadership of the NUJ also contributed to the reasons for his impeachment.
“This is to inform the General public that the entire members of Our Association at today’s congress unanimously passed a vote of NO CONFIDENCE in Femi Omilani and subsequently impeached him.
“With his impeachment, he ceases to be The Chairman of FIBAN in Ogun State. Therefore, should he by any means parade himself as such, it will amount to criminal impersonation and it will be met with the full weight of the law.
“Also impeached is the state secretary Muriziq Oluwatosin, the treasurer Ojelabi Oreoba, Publicity Secretary Olumayowa Abajigin.
“While a formal petition will be submitted to Nigeria Police for his investigation and possible prosecution as directed by the National President, Comrade Taiwo Adebayo-Gold, the General public is hereby advised to desist from further dealings with him in the capacity of Chairman of our Great Association.
Let it be on record that FIBAN has not rebranded, it is one across the Globe.”
Meanwhile, a new caretaker committee headed by Comrade Aderoju Ogundiran as its Chairman has been inaugurated.
The Caretaker committee was to conduct fresh election within three months to usher new executive into office.
Other committee members are: Comrade Adedeji Salami – Vice Chairman, Comrade Wale Shokoya – Secretary, Comrade Abolanle Asakpa – Treasurer and Comrade Daud Akanji as Ex officio.
When contacted for his reaction, the impeached chairman, Omilani Olufemi said he was not aware of his impeachment.
He said he cannot be impeached when in actual fact, he left the association a week ago to join his new formed association.
He described as senseless the news of his impeachment.
Asked to comment on the financial allegations against him, Omilani said the decision to sell the association’s bus was taken by his executive and past chairman of the association, Olayemi Akintoye and some leaders of the association including Bebe Musiliu.
He explained that, the bus was abandoned for over four years, and it was considered of no use by his executive and leaders of the association.
Omilani who confirmed to have also sold the association’s landed property at Alamala, said the decision was also agreed with some leaders of the association.
