…NDYM Constitution Must Stand: Official Counter-Report to the Fraudulent NDYM Caretaker Notice in Ondo State
As the Chairman of the NDYM Elder/Advisory Council, Ondo State Chapter, duly instituted on 28th December 2023 by the Comrade Akinfemi Raymond Omojuwa–led administration, I hereby issue this disclaimer and counter-report to the misleading publication circulating on the State NDYM Convention.
First, let it be clearly stated that the ongoing exercise leading to the Ondo State NDYM Convention is valid, constitutional, and fully backed by the National Executives. The State has received two (2) authentic letters from the National Chairman approving and setting the pace for the State Convention. Therefore, any contrary letter or announcement is futile, unconstitutional, and a mockery of due process.
The said purported letter is nothing but a display of weakness on the part of the National President, who has unfortunately fallen into the hands of trickerist elements determined to derail the democratic transition process in Ondo State NDYM.
It is particularly embarrassing and unbecoming that a traditional ruler of the status of Oba Obafemi Ogbaro would consistently involve himself in actions that incite disorder and anarchy anytime the movement is undergoing transition. This latest action is not surprising to those of us who understand his pattern, for no good thing has ever come from Ogbaro and his so-called “gradeless lawyers”—persons who cannot interpret a simple NDYM Constitution of less than 50 pages, but are instead busy merchandising NDYM for personal gain.
For the avoidance of doubt, the NDYM Constitution is clear and unambiguous:
1. STATUS OF ELDERS – THEY ARE NOT MEMBERS OF NDYM
SECTION 5 (MEMBERSHIP)
5b: “He or She has attained a minimum of 18 years of age and must be below 50 years of age.”
5f: “Any member who has attained 50 years of age shall be required to step down from the movement.”
By this constitutional provision, all persons above 50 years are automatically non-members.
Therefore, Oba Ogbaro, being an elder, has no power—constitutional, moral, or administrative—to sign any Executive Letter-Headed document.
His decision to sign such a letter renders it worthless, invalid, and void.
This level of desperation is highly regrettable and a clear case of “White fowl behaviour”—a disgraceful departure from order and dignity.
2. STATE MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS
SECTION 11 (Meetings and Convention)
11d: The State General Meeting shall hold at least once a year to address State matters and may approve, amend, or reject proposals of the State Executives.
11g: The Convention is strictly for the election of State officers and shall be attended ONLY by registered members of the State Chapter—not the Elder or Advisory Council.
Thus, elders are not constitutionally allowed to participate in the convention. Any attempt by Oba Ogbaro or his group to impose themselves into the process is a direct assault on the NDYM Constitution.
3. STATUS, ROLE & LIMITATIONS OF THE ADVISORY/ELDER COUNCIL
SECTION 10 (Advisory/Elder Council)
Subsection (c) states: “Former NDYM members who have attained 50 years of age and have distinguished themselves in service to the movement.”
This section reiterates that elders have no electoral or executive function.
Their role is advisory only—not legislative, not administrative, and certainly not executive.
4. CARETAKER ARRANGEMENT: NOT APPLICABLE IN ONDO STATE
SECTION 18 (Election)
Subsections 1–4 outline the electoral procedures. These have already been activated by the National Chairman through the letter dated 05/11/2025 addressed to Comrade Sylvester Omoseibi and ratified at a widely attended State General Meeting.
Sub-section 5
The constitution allows for a caretaker ONLY if the State Chairman fails to constitute an electoral committee.
But in Ondo State:
An Electoral Committee has already been constituted.
The National Delegates and Local Organising Committee have concluded all modalities for the election. Sales of nomination form already going on
Therefore, there is no constitutional basis for a caretaker in Ondo State.
Ogbaro and his “old cargoes,” having failed in their desperate effort to hijack the movement and relocate NDYM to his Okitipupa hut, now seek to truncate the process by twisting the constitution.
This attempt is dead on arrival.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE ONDO STATE ELDER/ADVISORY COUNCIL
Anybody above 50 years of age is statutorily a non-member and cannot participate in the NDYM State Convention.
The Ondo State Elder/Advisory Council hereby suspends Oba Obafemi Ogbaro for bringing disgrace to the State by signing an Executive Letter-Headed document using National Secretary Signature despite not being an executive member.
The Convention will hold as scheduled, in line with the NDYM Constitution.
Silvester Omoseebi remains Acting State Chairman till his tenure expires by December.
Signed:
Comrade MEDUOYE ASIKI GOODLUCK
Chairman, NDYM Elder/Advisory Council
Ondo State Chapter
