The Lagos chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has elected a new executive to lead its affairs for the next two years. Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun has been re-elected as Chairman, garnering 53 votes in the 2026 election. The election was conducted in two phases, with online voting taking place on Thursday and Friday, followed by a physical poll on Saturday, September 19, at the Herbert Macaulay Library in Lagos.
The physical election was attended by over 26 members, including prominent ANA Lagos members such as former National Secretary, Mr. Mature Tanko Okoduwa, and pioneer Chairman, Dr. Tolu Ajayi. The Electoral Committee, chaired by Mr. Yemi Adebiyi, oversaw the election process. Olatunbosun, first elected chairman in 2024, emerged unopposed to begin another two-year tenure.
Alongside Olatunbosun's re-election, other new executive members were elected. Mrs. Deborah Omoaregba was elected as Vice Chairman with 32 votes, defeating Adetutu Solape who secured 26 votes. Amarachukwu Chika-Stevens was elected as Secretary after her opponent withdrew from the race. Barrister Ebuzhafe Ogunsanya and Yohanna Joseph Waliya were elected as Legal Adviser and Public Relations Officer, respectively, unopposed.
The election was observed by the national leadership of ANA, represented by the Acting National General Secretary, Mr. Wole Adedoyin. Adedoyin conveyed a congratulatory message from the National President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, urging members to preserve the fellowship, unity, dignity, and institutional integrity of the Lagos chapter.
In his acceptance message, Olatunbosun thanked members for renewing their confidence in him and the new executive. He described the mandate as a renewed responsibility rather than a personal victory and called on members to put their differences behind them. Olatunbosun emphasized that the chapter's strength depends on the collective efforts of its members.
Olatunbosun outlined some priorities for the new administration, including strengthening membership, improving literary programs, preserving writers' works, and developing sustainable projects. He invited members to contribute constructive ideas and criticism, stressing that challenges should be confronted collectively.
The newly elected Vice Chairman, Mrs. Omoaregba, and Public Relations Officer, Yohanna Joseph Waliya, also extended messages of unity and cooperation. With the election concluded, attention now shifts to the new executive and its ability to implement its plans for the benefit of writers and the wider literary community.
Key points
- Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun has been re-elected as Chairman of ANA Lagos for a second two-year term.
- The new executive includes Mrs. Deborah Omoaregba as Vice Chairman and Amarachukwu Chika-Stevens as Secretary.
- The election was conducted in two phases, with online and physical voting taking place over three days.
