Update: Why Biodun Olalere Finally Emerged Victorious in Osun NUJ Election

Comrade Biodun Olalere, a journalist with Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) has again been re-elected as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun Council.

Olalere had won the February 11, 2016 chairmanship election before it was controversially annulled by the National President of the NUJ, Mr Waheed Odusile.

Olalere Taking Oath of Office after Feb 11, 2016 Election before it was controversially nullified

Olalere won the January 25, 2017 fresh election with 143 votes while his opponent, Mr Dele Ajayi polled 124 votes.

Also, Mr Boladale Bamigbola, the correspondent of National Mirror Newspaper in Osun State won the secretary election with 168 votes against his opponent Elujola who has 105 votes.

Other officials that emerged during election were secretary, Bamigbola Boladele and internal auditor, AbdulRazaq Alege.

Ayantunji Kehinde and Wasiu Ajadosu emerged unopposed as Vice-Chairman and Financial Secretary respectively.

It would be recalled that Olarere, Bamgbola and Alege earlier contested and won in an election annulled by the ‎national NUJ in 2016.

With this victory, Olarere would be serving the NUJ Osun Council as the chairman for the second time.

The victory of Olalere in the election that was coordinated and monitored by officials from national NUJ has been described by many journalists as a well-deserved one.

After the election results were declared, journalists were seen dancing and hugging themselves.

Some of the journalists who spoke with CityMirrorNews correspondent attributed Olalere’s victory to his persistent endurance and unrelenting effort.

Giving his accep‎tance speech after being sworn-in, Olarere commended the journalists for believing in the aspirations of the elected officials.

Olarere, who commenced his speech with victory songs, appealed to all journalists in the state to unite for the progress of the profession.

He lamented that election among the journalists almost smear the image of the profession in the state.

He, however, appealed to politicians to desist from influencing NUJ elections, saying external influence caused the crisis witnessed after the annulled election.

He said, “I thank all those who fought for this victory.  I have learnt so many lessons but I thanked God for making this a success. It is a new dawn, and a period to come together again.

“There is no division, what we had was external interference. We have always remained one. There is no opposition party in NUJ and we will continue to work together for progress of the profession.”