Akeem Lasisi
Hope and rebirth filled the air at the Ministry of Justice Library, Secretariat Ibadan, on Friday July 10, when the Ibadan branch of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) elected its new executives.
In an atmosphere of peace, love and deep reflection, Barrister Wale Oyinlola-Michael emerged the Chairman, taking over from seasoned legal practitioner, Barrister Adeyemi Opakunle.
In the election overseen by veteran mediators and legal experts that included the pioneer Chairman of the branch, Chief Adetoye Adeniran FICMC, Uthman Zarat was elected Vice Chairman and Ebunoluwa F. Bamidele as Secretary General.
Others are Yusuf Oladele S. (Publicity Secretary), Olayinka Badru (Welfare Secretary) just as Opakunle returns as Ex-Officio.
Meanwhile, another former Chairman and Patron of the Ibadan Branch and a member of the 2026 Electoral Committee, Comrade Olu Abiala FICMC; and another Patron, Mr. Tunji Thomas, were on the ground to ensure the smooth transition.
While Abiala was the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Miss Oluwakemi E. Ogunsade was the Secretary.
Besides, Mrs Olubunmi Are, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, S.G. & P.S., Oyo State Ministry of Justice, was also present.
With all the officers elected unopposed, Chief Adeniran, Comrade Abiala and other elders expressed deep satisfaction that the branch was experiencing rebirth and continuity.
In the same vein, Oyo State Director of Public Prosecution, Barrister Najeem Abiodun Adeola, who also witnessed the election, congratulated the winners and urged them to advance the ICMC cause.
He promised the continued support of the Oyo State Government.
Reflecting on his experience while at the elm of affairs, Opakunle, who is also the Legal Adviser of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, noted that the branch under him faced some challenges.
He, however, had good success stories for members, noting that his executive got the ICMC branch an office which it furnished with funds from his pocket and that of his Vice Chairman.
He saluted his colleagues in the outgoing leadership, saying, “I need to appreciate the efforts and commitment of my Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Ijeoma S. Ladele; and the Secretary General, Dr. Lanre Yusuf. The two were very supportive until their personal life engagements took them out of Ibadan. I also want to appreciate Mrs Dupe Awosemusi who accepted my request to be dragged in as a COOPTED Executive member and functioned as the Assistant Secretary General. May God bless you all and support your endeavours.”
Also, Opakunle highlighted training programmes and awards event the branch organised to honour deserving personalities. At the programme held in 2024, seven of such dignitaries were honoured as parents. These are: Chief Adeniran Adetoye, Honourable Justice T. M. Abdulganiyu, Honourable Justice (Prof) Alero Akeredolu, Phd., Prof Isaac Olawale Albert, Comrade Olu Abiala, His Excellency, Chief Alake Adeyemo, and Rev’d Phillip Alakhume.
On the impacts of the icons, Opakune said, “I enjoyed the overwhelming support of some of these leaders in all or programmes, especially, Chief Adeniran Adetoye, Comrade Olu Abiala and Rev’ Alakhume. Their fatherly roles and leadership style have encouraged me and given us the grace to achieve the little we could. God Himself will pray for you and back you up till your final end. Your children will never lack support and necessary backing in life.
“We cannot and must not overlook the ready-made assistance and selfless services of Mr. Tunji Thomas to this Branch. Oga, your work will receive a boost in Jesus mighty name.”
He, however, stressed that the successful transition was almost more significant than other achievements he recorded. Opakunle enthused, “Anyone who has been conversant with the Branch, will agree with me that we had never had an election of this kind. People were either begged to come and serve or hand-picked. I sometimes ago set up a group, the Reformation Team, to scout for members who are truly interested in the activities of the ICMC so that election could be organised by December 2025. This was not possible. But I had never thought things can suddenly change for better like this. We thank God for the wisdom and the grace.
“We are today having a keen contest by people who have the desire to see improvement and activities in the Branch. Payments of both the National and the Branch dues have seriously improved, not only from those willing to contest, but also by members who desire no personal returns from this election. You are the champions and I sincerely hope that you will sustain and increase the tempo. You will not regret your contributions to this success. We will all succeed together. My Chairman, welcome you, the fact is that the ball is in your court.”
Also unveiling his agenda, Olawale Michael said he would work on membership expansion, equip and empower members with world-class training while also engaging them in community development.
“I am committed to servant leadership., collaboration and excellence in advancing mediation and conciliation for a prosperous institute and a better society,” he stated.
