THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The long-running leadership crisis that has rocked the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) for months has finally been laid to rest. According to a press statement issued by the organisation, the Royal Courts of Justice in London, in a ruling on 28 May 2025, has unequivocally affirmed the legitimacy of the Central Executive Council led by Harold Ogunfemi, bringing closure to months of confusion, factionalism and parallel claims to power within the diaspora organisation.
According to the statement, signed by Chairman Ogunfemi and General Secretary Michael Otogo, the court “dismissed an injunction brought forward by Hon. Chibuzor Ubochi, who had presented himself as the chairman of NIDOE”.
The statement said the claim of Chibuzor was not only rejected, “but the court also invalidated the controversial “election” held on 3 May 2025 by a so-called Transition Committee, deeming it unconstitutional and illegitimate under NIDOE’s governing framework”.
At the heart of the dispute were conflicting interpretations of NIDOE’s constitution. However, the court sided firmly with the existing constitutional provisions. According to Section 56:1 of the NIDOE Constitution, the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and leadership elections must take place in the second week of November, not in May as was conducted by the rival faction. In addition, the court ruled that any Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) must be convened with the approval of the Central Executive Council and chaired by the sitting chairman—procedures that were blatantly disregarded.
The ruling is reported to have also addressed serious concerns about manipulated corporate documentation. “The judge dismissed altered Companies House records presented by the opposing group” and “found such moves deceptive and warned that any further tampering would be treated as contempt of court”.
The Ogunfemi-led leadership has hailed the judgment as a “victory for due process, constitutional order and transparency.” It expressed gratitude to NIDOE members and institutional partners for their patience, resilience and steadfast commitment to democratic principles.
The crisis within the organisation began last year in the lead-up to the election of a new Central Executive Council. Some members were dissatisfied with the process—particularly the formation of the electoral committee— and filed a lawsuit to challenge the legitimacy of the elections, which took place during the organisation’s annual general meeting, held from 7-10 November in Athens, Greece. Their goal was to delegitimise the electoral process. However, rather than await the court’s decision, the group took matters into their own hands by convening a parallel Emergency General Meeting, during which they appointed a Caretaker Committee. The court’s ruling has now confirmed that the actions of this dissenting faction lack any basis in UK law or in the constitution of NIDOE.
Observers say the ruling marks a turning point for NIDOE, which plays an important role in mobilising the Nigerian diaspora across Europe to support national development. They hope that with the court’s verdict, the organisation could now focus on rebuilding unity, restoring credibility and advancing its mission free from internal distractions.
As Nigerians across the globe prepare to mark the 2025 Diaspora Week, the timing of the court’s decision is especially poignant. It sends a powerful message: that institutions can survive crises when guided by rule of law, and that leadership, to be enduring, must be earned, not seized.
With this chapter closed, a new era beckons for NIDOE, one defined not by division, but by purpose, accountability and the collective aspirations of Nigerians abroad.
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About NIDOE
Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) serves as the umbrella body for Nigerian diaspora groups in Europe. With chapters in 18 countries, its Board of Trustees is headquartered at the Nigerian High Commission in London. NIDOE’s mission is to enhance the welfare of Nigerians abroad and contribute to national development through advocacy, networking, partnerships and bilateral cooperation. The organisation leverages its vast membership to foster meaningful connections and drive impactful initiatives for Nigeria’s growth and development.
