By Stella Odueme
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa has disowned a statement issued on September 18, 2026, by some individuals under the name “NIDO Worldwide,” insisting that the document does not represent the position of the continental body.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Hon. Folaji Emmanuel Adura, on Monday, the organisation also rejected the description of Dr. Olufemi Fatoye as Chairman of NIDO Africa.
NIDO Africa said Professor Jude Osakwe remains its duly recognised Continental Chairman, with his current tenure expected to run until May 2027.
According to the organisation, neither its Executive Council nor its chapter presidents were consulted before the September 18 statement was issued.
“NIDO Africa did not authorise, approve or take part in the preparation of the 18 September statement,” it said.
The organisation argued that individuals whose claims to leadership positions were not recognised could not legally bind NIDO Africa or make statements on behalf of its members.
It clarified that its objection was centred on the issue of authority and representation and was not directed at the substance of the Auditor-General’s report on the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
NIDO Africa said it remained committed to transparency and accountability in public institutions, including agencies responsible for diaspora affairs, and supported efforts to ensure that observations contained in the Auditor-General’s report were properly addressed.
However, it maintained that any response issued in the name of NIDO or its continental structures must emanate from officials with verifiable and lawful mandates.
The organisation therefore challenged the signatories of the September 18 statement to make public the process through which the document was authorised and to provide evidence of the mandates they claimed to have received from the five continental bodies referenced in the statement.
It also asked each signatory to disclose the constitutional basis of their office, including the organisation that elected or appointed them, the date of such election or appointment, the duration of their tenure and the specific constitutional provision supporting their position.
NIDO Africa further demanded a public correction of the reference to Dr Fatoye as its Chairman.
It also called on the signatories to clarify whether they were aware of a pending suit involving actions attributed to Dr Fatoye and a four-man group at the time the September 18 statement was issued.
The organisation warned that persons who continued to recognise or deal with Dr Fatoye as Chairman of NIDO Africa despite the pending legal proceedings could face possible contempt proceedings before the Federal High Court.
NIDO Africa said it would not permit its name, chapters or members to be used by individuals it described as lacking a lawful mandate.
It reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of NIDO and the protection of the interests of Nigerians living in the diaspora.