By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide has placed reconciliation and the reunification of aggrieved alumni, branches and chapters at the centre of its agenda, declaring that the Association cannot afford to have “winners and losers” when members are divided.
The inauguration ceremony of the newly constituted Board of Trustees (BoT) was performed by the Acting Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Prof. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir. He was assisted by the Association’s 1st Worldwide Vice President, Dr. Irene Irenosen Akhideno; a member of the UIAA Trust Fund, Prof. Obi Emenike; and two former Worldwide Presidents, Dr. N. C. Merenu and Prof. Kemi Emina, at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
Chairman of the newly constituted Board and Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Michael Aremu Gbadebo III, CFR, made the declaration on Saturday during the formal inauguration of the seven-member Board at the Dame Edith Okowa Auditorium, Dr. Michael Omolayole Alumni Complex, University of Ibadan.
The Board has former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CFR, as Vice-Chairman.
Other members are former Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON; Dr. Achilihu Onye; Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello; Professor Charity Angya; and Professor Mohammed Kyari.
The Board was constituted following a motion unanimously adopted at the 205th Worldwide Executive Council meeting of UIAA Worldwide hosted by the Isoko Chapter in March 2026.
The motion called for the replacement of Board members whose tenures had expired and the filling of vacancies arising from the death of some former members.
Following a nomination process designed to reflect national spread, the proposed members were ratified at the WEC meeting hosted by the Anambra State Branch of UIAA in Awka in May 2026.
The Board was subsequently duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission before its formal inauguration.
In his inaugural address, Oba Gbadebo said one of the first major assignments of the new Board would be to heal divisions and restore confidence among members of the Association.
“We must build bridges where there are divisions, encourage dialogue where there are disagreements, and promote reconciliation wherever relationships have become strained,” the Alake said.
He acknowledged that disagreements and grievances had affected relationships among some members and chapters of the Association in Warri, Ughelli, Bayelsa, Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti and other locations.
But the monarch said the new Board would not approach the disagreements from the standpoint of victory or defeat.
“There should be no winners and no losers when Great UIites are divided,” he said.
“The real loser is the University of Ibadan Alumni Association itself.”
He said the Board would embark on consultations with aggrieved members, listen to different perspectives and encourage those with disagreements to return to the negotiating table.
According to him, the Board would facilitate constructive dialogue among individuals, chapters and relevant organs of the Association where necessary.
“Our approach will therefore be one of listening, consultation, reconciliation and healing,” Oba Gbadebo said.
“We shall seek to restore confidence, rebuild relationships and create an environment where every alumnus and alumna feels respected, valued and heard.”
The Alake said disagreements were natural in democratic and progressive institutions but warned that differences must never degenerate into hostility.
“We can disagree without becoming enemies. We can contest ideas without destroying relationships. We can support different candidates or positions without questioning the patriotism or integrity of those who hold opposing views,” he said.
He appealed to aggrieved members to remain open to reconciliation and urged those who may have contributed to disagreements within the Association to demonstrate the courage to embrace peace.
The BoT Chairman also called for a stronger and more harmonious relationship between the management of the University of Ibadan and its Alumni Association.
He described the University and its alumni as partners in progress with a shared responsibility to promote the continued development and global reputation of Nigeria’s premier university.
According to him, the Board would use its experience and influence to promote constructive engagement and mutual respect between both institutions.
Oba Gbadebo stressed that the Board would complement rather than compete with the elected leadership of UIAA Worldwide.
He said the Board would respect the authority of the Association’s constitutional organs while providing institutional memory, stability, counsel and guidance.
“Our immediate task will be reconciliation. Our broader mission will be unity,” he declared.
“Our enduring commitment will be to protect the dignity and legacy of the University of Ibadan.”
The new Chairman also paid tribute to former members of the Board of Trustees, including Dr. Michael Omolayole, Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Senator T. O. Orji, Senator George Akume, Mrs. Maureen Bakare, the late Senator Jonathan Zwingina and the late Chief Dr. P. C. Obakponovwe.
He said the new Board would build on the foundation laid by its predecessors while promoting continuity, good governance and unity within the Association.
In his remarks, Ganduje, who obtained his PhD in Public Administration from the University of Ibadan, described his relationship with the institution as longstanding and personal.
He recalled the University’s contributions to national development and its role in providing consultancy services during the early development of Abuja.
The former Kano State governor said his admiration for the professionalism of University of Ibadan scholars and consultants influenced his decision to pursue his doctoral studies at the institution.
The inauguration attracted members of the University community, executives of UIAA Worldwide, academics, distinguished alumni and family members of the new Board members.
For the Alake and his colleagues, however, the ceremony represented more than a change of leadership.
“Today marks a new beginning,” Oba Gbadebo said.
“Let us heal together. Let us rebuild together. And, above all, let us remain one family of Great UIites.”