The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to a breakaway faction in Nigeria, demanding that it cease parading itself as officers of the Association. The faction, led by Caroline Ibharuneafe, has been using AWLA's name, logo, and official communication platforms, prompting the Association to take action. AWLA's ultimatum was contained in a position statement issued on Thursday, signed by Sakinah Adepeju Oduye-Quadri, Secretary General, AWLA International.
According to AWLA, the crisis began when the tenure of the former AWLA Nigeria executive expired on October 22, 2023, without conducting elections. In response, AWLA International constituted and inaugurated a Caretaker Committee on November 24, 2023. However, the expired executive convened an extraordinary meeting, selected an Electoral Committee, and conducted an election, which AWLA described as unconstitutional. This led to the inauguration of an unauthorized executive by the breakaway faction on January 5, 2024.
AWLA alleged that the breakaway faction, led by Ibharuneafe, unlawfully took over its Secretariat and attempted to gain control of its bank accounts and official digital platforms. In contrast, the Caretaker Committee conducted elections on March 14, 2024, resulting in the emergence of a new executive headed by Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire as Country Representative and Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo as General Secretary. AWLA declared that the breakaway faction had been suspended and had no authority to represent the Association.
The Association warned the breakaway faction to desist from defamatory and derogatory publications against AWLA, its officials, and members. AWLA emphasized that its constitution, bye-laws, and the rule of law must be respected. The ultimatum serves as a final warning to the faction, which has been accused of attempting to usurp the authority of the legitimate AWLA executive.
AWLA's position statement emphasized that the Association will not tolerate the unauthorized use of its identity and platforms. The seven-day ultimatum is a last resort, and AWLA warned that failure to comply will compel it to take "proper steps" to protect its integrity. The Association is committed to upholding its constitution and ensuring that its activities are conducted in accordance with the rule of law.
The emergence of the breakaway faction has created uncertainty and tension within the Association. AWLA's leadership has taken steps to address the crisis, including the establishment of a Caretaker Committee and the conduct of new elections. The Association is working to restore order and ensure that its activities continue uninterrupted.
The ultimatum issued to the breakaway faction is a significant development in the ongoing crisis within AWLA. The Association's leadership has demonstrated its commitment to upholding its constitution and ensuring that its activities are conducted in accordance with the rule of law. The outcome of the ultimatum will likely have far-reaching implications for the Association and its members.
Key points
- AWLA has given a seven-day ultimatum to a breakaway faction to stop using its name, logo, and platforms.
- The breakaway faction, led by Caroline Ibharuneafe, was accused of unlawfully taking over AWLA's Secretariat and attempting to gain control of its bank accounts and official digital platforms.
- AWLA conducted new elections on March 14, 2024, resulting in the emergence of a new executive headed by Falilat Oluwatoyin Orire as Country Representative.
