NIDOE Declares Harold Ogunfemi Legitimate Chairman, Disowns Chibuzor Ubochi and NIDO Worldwide Title

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe, NIDOE, has issued a public notice clarifying its legitimate leadership and dissociating itself from claims by Barr Chibuzor Ubochi.

In the notice dated September 21, 2026, from its Secretariat at Nigeria House, 9 Northumberland Avenue, London, the organisation said Hon Cllr Harold Ogunfemi is the duly elected Chairman of NIDO Europe.

Legitimate leadership of NIDOE

According to the notice, in accordance with history, constitutional provisions and established leadership succession of NIDO Europe, Hon Cllr Harold Ogunfemi was elected in November 2024 in Athens, Greece, in accordance with the organisation’s constitution and formally received mantle of leadership from his predecessor, Dr Bashir Obasekola, on November 9, 2024.

Judicial affirmation of leadership

NIDOE said legitimacy of Hon Cllr Harold Ogunfemi’s leadership has been affirmed by the County Court at Central London with Claim No L03CL967.

It said in a judgment dated May 28, 2025 and sealed on June 14, 2025, Deputy District Judge Chakravarty dismissed the claim brought by NIDO UK South against NIDO Europe. As the election of Cllr Harold Ogunfemi in 2024 was not challenged successfully in court or set aside, he remains the authentic leader of NIDO Europe.

The organisation said it expected that Barr Chibuzor, being a lawyer and officer of the court, will respect without any hesitation the decision of the court but he is desperate to be chairman to achieve a selfish effect.

Clarification on claims to chairmanship

NIDOE said it wishes to clarify that claims to chairmanship of NIDO Europe by Barr Chibuzor Ubochi do not represent leadership recognised by the organisation.

It noted that leadership dispute and subsequent division within organisation have generated considerable concern among members and stakeholders. It maintains that leadership under Hon Cllr Harold Ogunfemi derives its legitimacy from constitutional electoral process and established succession of leadership within NIDOE spanning over two decades.

The notice questioned what is the historical genealogy of Barr Chibuzor’s leadership, whom did he take over from or does it mean he created a new NIDO Europe.

Concerns over purported NIDO Worldwide chairmanship

NIDOE said it is equally concerned about continued use of title of Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide by Barr Chibuzor Ubochi and others.

It said the Act establishing Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, does not recognise any entity called NIDO Worldwide. What the Act recognises are continental leadership structures, each independent and not under any coordinating leadership in guise of NIDO Worldwide. It therefore questioned basis for continued use of this title and urged all stakeholders to beware.

Appeal to public and stakeholders

NIDOE said it hereby dissociates itself from any group or activities purporting to represent NIDO Europe under a leadership that is not recognised by the organisation.

It urged members of public, government institutions, corporate bodies and other stakeholders to exercise due diligence and verify legitimacy of any individual or group claiming to represent NIDO Europe before engaging with them.

On Auditor-General’s query

With regards to Auditor General’s query to NiDCOM, NIDOE said there are already enough institutions, agencies and apparatus of government to investigate and determine authenticity or otherwise of claims, and those institutions should be allowed to carry out their duties.

Commitment to constitutionalism and unity

NIDO Europe said it remains law-abiding organisation committed to constitutional governance, transparency, unity and advancement of Nigerians in diaspora. It said it shall not allow personal ambitions, leadership disputes or competing claims to undermine organisation’s history, integrity and collective purpose.

It therefore called on all members and stakeholders to uphold constitution, respect legitimate leadership and work towards peace, unity and continued progress of NIDOE.

The statement was signed by Cllr Harold Ogunfemi, Chairman, and Hon Otogo M A, General Secretary, on behalf of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe.

The executive members listed include General Secretary Hon Michael A Otogo, PRO and Deputy Gen Sec Hon Engr Shakiru K Oladunjoye, Finance Officer Hon Dr Alexander Osarogue, Treasurer Hon Engr Aderemi Paul Afolabi, Welfare and Social Officer Hon Rosemary C Onwugbonu, EU Liaison Officer Hon Ikechukwu Okafor, IT Officer Hon Fidel O Wilson, and Officer Without Portfolio Hon Adekunle Ayoola, with chapter chairpersons across Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium-Luxemburg, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland-Liechtenstein, Turkey, Ukraine and UKC.