IEDPU Zonal Election: Dr. Owonikoko Imoloba Emerges New Chairman of Western Zone Unopposed as Opponent Withdraws at the Venue
By Raheem Ibrahim
Dr. Solih Owonikoko Imoloba has emerged as the new Chairman of the Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone, at the just-concluded election held in Owo, Ondo State, over the weekend.
The election of Dr. Owonikoko became easier on Saturday, 8 November 2025, when his opponent, Alhaji Saliu Aileru, voluntarily withdrew from the race and left the venue with some of his supporters at the last minute.
It was reliably gathered that there had been a crisis between supporters of both candidates, with accusations and counter-accusations trailing the campaigns ahead of the election, particularly over alleged misappropriation of Union funds by the former Investment Committee chaired by Alhaji Aileru.
During the election process, the congress rejected the nomination of the Electoral Committee but later resolved that three members of the Union’s National Delegation should conduct the election through an open ballot process.
A source revealed that when it became clear that the majority of branches supported Dr. Owonikoko, Alhaji Aileru addressed the congress and announced his voluntary withdrawal before leaving the venue with some supporters.
Reacting to Alhaji Aileru’s claim that the election was fraudulent, the Vice Chairman of IEDPU Western Zone, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abubakar Baba, said:
“All motions relating to the conduct of the election, eligibility of voters, accreditation, and adoption of voting procedures were openly presented before the congress and ratified. No single delegate raised an objection after these motions were duly moved and seconded.
“It is therefore misleading to claim that the constitution was disregarded. The IEDPU Western Zone 2025 Election was a model of transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic participation.”
Speaking on accredited branches and eligible voters, Alhaji Baba explained:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the IEDPU Western Zone currently has 52 constitutionally recognised branches. However, in the buildup to the convention, 12 additional branches formally registered with the Union and were issued registration acknowledgments, thereby qualifying them to participate as bona fide members in accordance with IEDPU’s tradition of inclusivity and progress.
“The matter was openly presented before the congress during the convention, and after deliberations, a motion was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved to allow the 12 newly registered branches to vote and be voted for.
“This brought the total number of voting branches to 64, and their accreditation was conducted openly in the presence of all delegates.”
On Alhaji Aileru’s allegation of electoral fraud and his walkout, the Vice Chairman insisted:
“It is on record that Alhaji Saliu Oluwadare Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the election—not because of any fraud—but because he sensed imminent defeat following the overwhelming support enjoyed by his opponent, Dr. Solih Musa Kolawole Owonikoko Imoloba.
“His withdrawal was a desperate face-saving attempt to justify his poor standing within the Union. The congress continued peacefully after his exit, and the election proceeded in accordance with the approved open ballot system.
“To now describe the process he abandoned midway as ‘fraudulent’ is dishonest, malicious, and unbecoming of someone who once sought leadership within our noble Union.”
On the adoption of the open ballot system, he added:
“The open ballot system was proposed by the electoral officers and approved by a voice vote of the delegates before voting commenced. No objection was raised by any accredited delegate, and the process was conducted with transparency and fairness.
“All contestants were duly nominated and seconded in line with the IEDPU Constitution. Results were counted openly and announced immediately in the presence of observers, delegates, and National Executive members.”
Speaking on the integrity of the Electoral Committee and National Executives, he said:
“The National Executive members who conducted the election are men of proven integrity and long-standing service to the Ilorin Emirate and to IEDPU. Their involvement ensured impartiality, orderliness, and transparency.
“It is therefore mischievous and defamatory for Alhaji Aileru to describe the process as a ‘gang-up.’ The only ‘gang-up’ was the congress’s collective rejection of imposition and indiscipline.”
Despite the withdrawal, the election continued, delegates voted for their preferred candidates, and results were declared on the spot. The newly elected officers were subsequently sworn in by the Union’s National Delegation led by the IEDPU President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik.
“We call on all members to rally behind the new leadership and reject the divisive antics of those who place personal interest above collective development. The Union stands firm, unshaken, and resolute in the face of baseless blackmail,” said Alhaji Baba.
