The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has firmly reiterated the legitimacy of Chief (Mrs.) Kayode Odunayo Danjuma as the Chairperson of its Oyo State Chapter, issuing a strong warning to those attempting to usurp her position with false claims.
This is as the Association vowed to pursue legal action against any individuals or groups engaging in such fraudulent activities.
In a press statement dated Friday, August 30, 2024 and signed by the National Organizing Secretary of NANTS, Don Chris Okeke, the association condemned recent efforts by certain individuals to mislead the public.
The impostors, who have allegedly falsely presented themselves as leaders within the Oyo State Chapter of NANTS, were exposed after broadcasting their illegitimate claims on an Ibadan-based FM radio station. Okeke described the incident as “embarrassing” and “a gross misrepresentation of facts.”
“We have been alerted to the disturbing developments in our Oyo State Chapter, where certain individuals are falsely parading themselves as executives and members of NANTS,” Okeke stated.
“This is despite clear evidence to the contrary, as the official list of our bona fide members, maintained at our National Secretariat and Southwest office, does not include these individuals.”
Okeke went on to name the key perpetrators of this scheme: Princess Aderonke Rahmat Adedoja, Alhaji Fatai Usman Abolanle and Mr. Ademola Adebayo who have been unlawfully presenting themselves as the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and State Secretary respectively.
He made it unequivocally clear that none of them holds any position within NANTS, nor are they recognized as members by the national body.
“These individuals do not represent our association in any capacity,” Okeke asserted.
NANTS further called upon the Oyo State Government, private organizations, security agencies, and the media to disregard these impostors and to conduct any official business concerning NANTS solely through Chief Odunayo Danjuma, who remains the legitimate Chairperson and also serves as the National Women Leader of the association.
Okeke also highlighted the association’s readiness to take decisive legal steps against the impostors. “We will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity of our organization. Legal proceedings have already been initiated to hold these individuals accountable and to serve as a deterrent to others,” he declared.
Okeke however expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his administration’s efforts in driving economic growth and development within the state. He extended NANTS’ best wishes to the Governor, praying for continued peace and prosperity among the residents of Oyo State.
With this robust stance, NANTS has made it clear that it will vigorously protect the integrity of its leadership and the trust of its members against any form of subversion.
