The leadership transition at the IBB International Golf & Country Club has sparked controversy, with Captain Alhaji Ibrahim Babayo addressing recent allegations made by Retired General IBM Haruna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT). In response to reports published in Daily Trust on March 26, 2025, Babayo has refuted claims that constitutional amendments were made in secrecy, emphasizing that all procedures followed due process.

In his statement, Babayo clarified that the decision to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was not an attempt to bypass procedures but rather an exercise of club members’ rights to participate in leadership selection. He dismissed accusations that the club’s constitution was amended without proper approval, stating that transparency and accountability were central to the revisions.

“The assertion that the constitution was amended ‘secretly’ without the trustees’ consent is misleading,” Babayo stated. “The amendments were publicly announced through multiple channels, including publications in Leadership Newspaper (June 21, 2024) and The Guardian Newspaper (June 24, 2024), as well as notices on the club’s official board and Telegram platform.”

According to Babayo, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) followed standard procedures, allowing a 28-day period for objections. No formal objections were submitted, although Haruna, through the law firm Olowolafe & Co, filed a petition against the amendments. The CAC, after reviewing all submissions, approved the registration of the amended constitution.

Babayo further addressed the ongoing legal case, asserting that the Federal High Court’s order to maintain the status quo does not validate Haruna’s claims but serves as an interim measure. The case is set for a full hearing on April 3, 2025.

“The legal action taken to halt the EGM is a deliberate move to stall the transition process and maintain the status quo, despite the will of the general membership,” Babayo remarked.

Despite the dispute, Babayo reaffirmed the club’s commitment to fairness and democratic principles. He urged members to remain united in supporting governance that prioritizes the collective interests of the club rather than the entrenchment of a select few.

As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on the Federal High Court’s ruling next week, which will determine the next steps in the club’s leadership transition.