Past Presidents, Senate Leaders Raise Alarm Over Attempted Takeover
The lingering crisis rocking the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) has taken a new dimension as the League of Past Presidents, Executives, and Senate Leaders of the association has vehemently rejected what it described as a “kangaroo election” being orchestrated by some individuals allegedly bent on destabilizing the union.
In a statement jointly signed by over 30 former leaders of the association, the League expressed deep concern over moves by certain actors to bypass constitutional processes in a bid to impose a new leadership structure without recourse to the existing Central Executive Council (CEC) and the Senate.
The past leaders, which include former Global Presidents, Senate Presidents, and other key officials, declared that no leadership vacuum exists in NAOSS and warned that any attempt to inaugurate new officers without due constitutional process amounts to an “assault on democracy.”
The statement reads in part:
It has come to our attention that certain individuals are attempting to usurp the constitutional leadership of NAOSS by orchestrating an election through non-recognized channels. Let it be known that the NAOSS Constitution is supreme, and any action inconsistent with it is null and void.”
Citing Article 5, Sections 31–35 of the association’s constitution, the League maintained that only the NAOSS Independent Electoral Commission (NAOSSIEC), duly constituted by the Congress and presided over by the National President, has the power to conduct elections.
The group also noted that no executive officer, including the President or Senate President, has been impeached or removed through the constitutional process, insisting that attempts to foist new officers without following laid down procedures should be resisted by all well-meaning members.
They further charged the Ondo State Government to steer clear of the crisis and avoid being linked with any faction trying to hijack the union for personal or political gain.
"We urge His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, to call his appointees to order and prevent any crisis capable of denting the image of his administration among the student population,” the statement added.
Among the signatories are Hon. Olamide George, Dayo Temola, Hon. Oguntoyinbo Victor, Comr. Awodola Simon, Mary Ogunga, Kikiowo Ayoade, Aladesoyin Abiodun, and many others who served in various top capacities within the association.
While calling for calm among NAOSS members across the country, the League reaffirmed its loyalty to the ideals of democracy, justice, and constitutional order, warning security agencies to take proactive steps to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
They concluded by declaring NAOSS as a united, indivisible body governed strictly by its constitution and vowed to resist any illegal takeover using “every legal, moral, and intellectual means."
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