Lagos SWAN Hits Back At Isaiah Benjamin-Led Exco: Our Election Stand, Alleged Intimidation Of Members With Security Agents Is False

Posted on October 13, 2025

Lagos SWAN Chairman, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni casting her vote during the election of the chapter at the SWAN Secretariat inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. PHOTOS: ALABA BASHIRU

Unnecessarily meddling in the affairs of state chapters by the National Body of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by Mr Isaiah Benjamin has received another knock from the Lagos State chapter of the association at the weekend.

A release signed by the newly re-elected chairman of the chapter, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni

And the Secretary, Omotunde Bello, the Lagos SWAN said a press release signed by the duo of Isaiah Benjamin, the President of SWAN, and his Secretary General, Ikenna Okonkwo in which the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the association says it disowned the 9 October 2025 Lagos chapter election and the claims that the chairman, Oladunni has been using security operatives in Lagos to intimidate some of her members as well as that she and her secretary were operating under suspension are exercise of a power taking too far, which can not stand the test of time.

The newly elected State Executive Committee (SEC) of Lagos SWAN displaying their Certificate of Return after the election

“While the National Secretariat plays an oversight role in national affairs, it cannot usurp or obstruct the legitimate functions of a state chapter, especially in matters of internal administration and elections clearly provided for under the association’s constitution,” the Lagos SWAN statement reads.

For record purposes, P.M. EXPRESS reproduce the Lagos SWAN statement below

PRESS RELEASE ON THE SWAN NATIONAL SECRETARIAT PURPORTED CLAIM DISOWNING THE SUCCESFUL ELECTION OF LAGOS STATE CHAPTER EXCO HELD ON THE 9TH OCTOBER 2025 AT THE LAGOS CHAPTER SECRETARIAT

PROTOCOL

Our attention has been drawn to a purported press statement dated Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the name of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) National Secretariat, signed by Mr. Benjamin Isaiah and Ikenna Okonkwo wherein the self-styled National Executive Council (NEC) purportedly disowned the Lagos SWAN election, and further made spurious claims of suspension, intimidation, and misuse of security operatives against some of our members.

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of truth, order, and the reading public, the SWAN Lagos Chapter wishes to categorically debunk the said release in its entirety as false, misleading, malicious, and an act of deliberate misinformation aimed at distorting facts and misleading security agencies and the general public.

On the Legitimacy of the Lagos Election

The Lagos SWAN election was duly constituted, supervised, ratified by chapter Congress and conducted in accordance with the SWAN Statutes and SWANECO Electoral Guidelines. All relevant procedures — including issuance of notices, nomination of candidates, screening, and Congress ratification — were duly observed.

The exercise enjoyed the full participation of accredited members and observers, and no competent authority has nullified or questioned its validity.

It is, therefore, baseless and mischievous for any group to describe such a legitimate democratic process as “illegal” or “unauthorized.”

On the Alleged Suspension of Members

The repeated claim of “suspension” of the reelected chairman Lagos Branch Ambassador Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and reelected chapter Secretary Mr. Bello Omotunde respectively is not only false but unsupported by due process as prescribed in the association’s constitution.

Neither the National Executive Council nor the National President possesses unilateral powers to suspend duly elected state officials without recourse to established disciplinary procedures — including fair hearing and ratification by the appropriate organs of the association.

Consequently, no valid suspension exists, and both officials remain bonafide members and elected Lagos Cha officers of the association in Lagos State.

Chairman of Lagos SWANNECO, Sir Victor Enyinnaya, KSP, displaying SWAN Statute as the guiding Book for the organisation of the election, while other members of the Committee look on

On the Misuse of Security Operatives

The allegation that Lagos officials “mobilized thugs and security operatives” is a calculated fabrication intended to malign reputations and provoke undue interference from law enforcement agencies.

All engagements with security personnel during the Lagos Congress were lawful, preventive, and officially communicated to the relevant commands to ensure peace and order — not intimidation, as falsely alleged.

On the So-Called Petition to the IGP and DSS

The purported petition is a desperate attempt to weaponize state institutions against innocent professionals engaged in a lawful association activity.

We urge the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to disregard any politically motivated petitions that are designed to mislead or cause unnecessary tension within the journalism and sporting community in Lagos.

On the Authority of the National Secretariat

While the National Secretariat plays an oversight role in national affairs, it cannot usurp or obstruct the legitimate functions of a state chapter, especially in matters of internal administration and elections clearly provided for under the association’s constitution.

SWAN remains a professional association — not a political empire — and no individual, no matter how highly placed, can substitute personal will for constitutional governance.

Conclusion

The Lagos Chapter of SWAN remains committed to unity, professionalism, and lawful conduct in all its activities. We, therefore, call on all members, partners, and the general public to disregard the misleading press release and remain assured that the legitimate leadership of SWAN Lagos chapter continues to operate within the bounds of the association’s constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed,

Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni

Chairman, SWAN Lagos Chapter

Mr. Bello Omotunde

Secretary, SWAN Lagos Chapter