OYO NIGERIA LEGION: PTE. TAJUDEEN AKOREDE EMERGES CHAIRMAN, POLLS 21 VOTES

A New Chapter of Leadership, Service, Peace and Community Development

PTE. Tajudeen Akorede of Iseyin Local Government Area has emerged as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Oyo State Chapter, following a keenly contested but peaceful election held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Oyo State Secretariat.

The election, which brought together delegates and stakeholders of the Nigeria Legion across Oyo State, was conducted in an atmosphere described as orderly, transparent and peaceful, marking another significant moment in the history of the Legion's activities in the state.

Akorede polled 21 votes to defeat his opponent, Samson Adeyeye of Ido Local Government Area, who secured 12 votes, thereby emerging as the preferred candidate to lead the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Legion.

In the Deputy Chairman category, Ogunjunwo Samuel emerged victorious with 20 votes, defeating Olafunbosun Samuel, who recorded 12 votes.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE REPRESENTATIVES MONITOR ELECTION

The credibility and transparency of the election received additional institutional oversight with the presence of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja.

Among the officials present to monitor and observe the electoral process were Imabibo Patience G., Awo Musa Gulani and Onu Ruth N.

Their presence further underscored the importance attached to the Nigeria Legion as an organisation with a long-standing role in promoting the welfare of ex-servicemen, supporting peaceful communities and contributing to national development.

The monitoring exercise also reinforced confidence among participants and stakeholders that the electoral process was conducted in accordance with the required standards.

OYO MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL INCLUSION PARTICIPATES

The election also enjoyed the support and participation of the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, creating an avenue for stronger institutional collaboration between the Nigeria Legion and the state government.

The ministry was represented under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Alhaja Fausat Sanni.

Among the senior officials who graced the occasion were Mrs. Oluyinka Shotonwa-Roagess, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Ogunjimi Diya, Director of Women Affairs Programme; Mr. Ariori Lateef, Director, Community Department; Mr. Oke Ezekiel D., Director, Social Welfare; and Mr. Badry Biola, Deputy Director, Rehabilitation Department, alongside other senior members of staff.

Their participation highlighted the growing importance of collaboration among government institutions, veterans' organisations and community-based stakeholders in advancing social welfare, inclusion and community development.

AKOREDE'S EMERGENCE: EXPECTATIONS FOR A NEW ERA

With his emergence as Chairman, attention will now turn to the new administration and its ability to consolidate the gains of previous leadership while introducing fresh initiatives capable of improving the welfare and visibility of the Nigeria Legion in Oyo State.

PTE. Tajudeen Akorede is expected to work with the newly elected executive members, elders, veterans, government agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen the organisation's programmes and ensure that the interests and welfare of legionnaires remain a priority.

His victory from Iseyin Local Government Area also represents the confidence reposed in him by members of the electoral college and stakeholders who participated in the exercise.