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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has dissociated itself from a group of journalists operating under the name Divine Mandate Movement, declaring that the body is not recognised by the union.
In a disclaimer issued by the council on Monday , the leadership of the union said its attention had been drawn to the activities of some individuals reportedly led by one Raji Adebayo who claim to be operating under the Divine Mandate Movement within the NUJ Oyo State structure.
However, in response to the disclaimer , the Divine Mandate Movement (DMM) insisted that the group is not a faction or pressure group within the journalists’ body but an independent socio-professional movement.
In a statement also issued on Monday, the leadership of the Divine Mandate Movement said the clarification became necessary to prevent misunderstanding among members of the public following the NUJ’s disclaimer dated March 16, 2026.
The council leadership, under the State Chairman, Akeem Abas, in an earlier release, stated that the group is not known to the union and does not operate with the approval or authority of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ.
According to the statement, the union emphasized that it does not recognise the activities of the group and therefore cautioned members of the public, organisations, and institutions to be wary of engaging with them in any official capacity.
The council further warned that anyone who chooses to conduct business or enter into any form of transaction with the group does so at their own risk, stressing that the union would not be held responsible for any outcome arising from such dealings.
It noted that the disclaimer was issued to set the record straight and protect the integrity of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Oyo State, while urging stakeholders and the public to always verify information or engagements through the appropriate channels of the council.
But the DMM explained that contrary to the impression created by the union’s statement, it does not operate as a statutory organ of the NUJ and has never claimed to be one.
According to the statement signed by its Chairman, Adebayo Raji, and Secretary, Olamide Adeniji, the Divine Mandate Movement is a broad-based platform comprising technocrats and professionals from diverse fields who share a common vision of ethical leadership, professional excellence and societal development.
The leadership explained that its membership cuts across several professions, including journalists, legal practitioners, tax administrators, sports administrators and public policy advocates, among others.
The movement stressed that as an independent association of professionals, it does not require recognition from the NUJ before carrying out its activities.
It further cited Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which guarantees the right of individuals to freely assemble and associate with others for the protection of their interests.
The group also noted that the process of establishing a formal legal identity for associations is guided by the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, which empowers the Corporate Affairs Commission to register associations and incorporated trustees.
According to the statement, the Divine Mandate Movement is currently undergoing the process of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission in line with the law governing incorporated associations in Nigeria.
The leadership assured the public that all activities of the movement are guided by professionalism, ethical standards and respect for the rule of law.
It also stated that the organisation remains open to qualified individuals from different professional and intellectual backgrounds who share its ideals of integrity, collaboration and positive societal impact.
While expressing respect for the institutional authority of the NUJ and other professional bodies, the movement urged security agencies and the public to disregard any insinuation that it operates outside the law.
The group specifically called on the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ignore claims suggesting that the movement engages in clandestine activities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting constructive dialogue, professional networking and responsible leadership within society.
