Dr. Solih Owonikoko Imoloba has emerged as the new Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone, following a tension-soaked election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Owo, Ondo State.

His emergence came after his only opponent, Alhaji Saliu Aileru, abruptly announced his voluntary withdrawal from the contest at the venue and walked out with a group of his supporters, just moments before voting commenced.

It was reliably gathered that the weeks leading up to the election were marked by accusations and counter-accusations between the two camps, particularly over allegations of misappropriation of Union funds linked to the former Investment Committee chaired by Alhaji Aileru.

Election Proceedings

During the proceedings, the congress rejected the earlier nomination of an electoral committee. It was later resolved that three members of the Union's National Executive delegation should conduct the poll using an open ballot system.

According to sources, when it became clear that the majority of the branches present were rooting for Dr. Owonikoko, Alhaji Aileru addressed the congress, announced his withdrawal, and promptly left the venue.

Reacting to subsequent claims by Alhaji Aileru that the exercise was fraudulent, the Vice Chairman of the Western Zone, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abubakar Baba, described the allegation as baseless and misleading.

"All motions relating to the conduct of the election, eligibility of voters, accreditation, and adoption of voting procedures were openly presented before the congress and ratified. No single delegate raised an objection after these motions were duly moved and seconded," he said.

He described the process as "a model of transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic participation."

Alhaji Baba explained that the Western Zone had 52 constitutionally recognized branches, while 12 newly registered branches were issued formal acknowledgments ahead of the convention.

"The matter was openly tabled during the convention, and after deliberations, a motion was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved that the 12 branches be allowed to vote. This brought the number of accredited branches to 64," he noted.

The Vice Chairman insisted that Aileru's withdrawal was not connected to fraud, but to an imminent defeat.

"It is on record that Alhaji Saliu Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the election, not because of any fraud, but because he sensed imminent defeat following the overwhelming support enjoyed by Dr. Owonikoko. His withdrawal was a desperate face-saving attempt," he said.

He added that calling the process "fraudulent" after walking out was "dishonest, malicious, and unbecoming of a former leadership aspirant."

He noted that the open ballot system was proposed by electoral officers and adopted through a voice vote. Votes were counted openly and announced immediately in the presence of delegates, observers, and National Executive members.

Despite the walkout, the election proceeded peacefully. Delegates cast their votes, results were declared, and newly elected officers, including Dr. Owonikoko, were sworn in by the Union's National delegation led by the President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik.

Alhaji Baba appealed to all members to unite behind the new leadership.

"We call on all members to rally behind the new leadership and reject divisive antics. The Union remains firm and unshaken in the face of baseless blackmail," he said.