The Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, has directed its members to suspend attendance of assignments and activities at the state council Press Centre in Ilorin. This decision is 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 at the weekend, where members deliberated on issues surrounding the annual event. The Chapel alleged attempts by the parent body and some individuals to frustrate the success of the Press Week, with the sole aim of bringing the Chapel into disrepute.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress, the Chapel, led by Alhaji Abiola Azeez, warned that sanctions would be imposed on any member who fails to comply with the directive. The congress also announced the blacklisting of the NUJ state chairman, Abdullateef Ahmed of The Herald Newspapers, and secretary 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.” Specifically, the congress raised concerns over the alleged intimidation of the Oloro of Oro, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye, who reportedly traveled 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 led by Mallam AbdulHakeem Garba of Channels Television 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. The congress 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. It also praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his yearly support towards the success of the event.
It acknowledged specially the contributions of the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the keynote speaker during the programme. 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.
