The National Youth Council of Nigeria has written Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state to inform him that a court has restrained the Corporate Affairs Commission from withdrawing its certificate.
The Council in statement by National President and Secretary of the Council, Sokubo Sokubo and Gara Nongha respectively called on Governor Adeleke to reconsider its decision on the matter.
Osun government had last weekend cut ties with NYCN following the corruption allegations against the its chairman, Segun Olakolupo Akinbode and the Commissioner for Youth, Moshood Olagunju.
The National headquarters said the allegations against the state chapter has not been proven,calling for a thorough investigation before action is taken.
The letter reads, “We write on behalf of the leadership and stakeholders of the National Youth Council of
Nigeria (NYCN) to respectfully address the recent decision of the Osun State
Government to suspend official engagement with the NYCN, Osun State Chapter, as
communicated through a press release issued by the Office of the Honourable
Commissioner for Information and further referenced by the Honourable
Commissioner for Youth Affairs.
“We acknowledge and commend the Osun State Government’s consistent commitment
to peace, order, and the stability of youth-related institutions within the State. In this
regard, we consider it necessary, with utmost respect, to place certain material facts
on record to assist the Government in reviewing this decision within the framework of law and due process.
1. Subsistence of a Valid Court Order
We respectfully inform Your Excellency that there exists a valid and subsisting court
order expressly restraining the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and relevant
federal authorities from revoking, withdrawing, suspending, or otherwise tampering
with the registration and certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, pending
the final determination of the matter by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Accordingly, any administrative action premised on an alleged revocation of NYCN’s
certificate remains subject to this judicial restraint, and actions taken in disregard of
such an order are, in law, of no legal effect.
2. Legal Status of NYCN and Role of the Federal Ministry
We respectfully note that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development does not possess
statutory powers to suspend or invalidate the legal existence of the NYCN. Such
authority lies solely with the courts of law and the Corporate Affairs Commission acting
strictly in accordance with the law and subject to judicial directives. Consequently, any
administrative position founded on an alleged withdrawal of CAC certification—while a
court order subsists—does not provide a legally sustainable basis for disengagement
with NYCN at the state level.
3. Allegations Versus Due Process
We further note that references to internal disagreements, allegations, or complaints
relating to the Osun State Chapter remain unproven allegations that have not been
judicially determined. In keeping with the principles of fair hearing and natural justice,
such allegations do not negate the legal standing of the NYCN, nor do they warrant a
blanket suspension of government engagement without investigation, adjudication, or
a court pronouncement.
4. Legal Recognition of the Osun State Chapter
The Osun State Chapter of the NYCN remains a legally recognized component of the
national body, operating under the same constitutional and legal framework, except
where a court of competent jurisdiction expressly provides otherwise. Administrative
disengagement from a duly recognized state chapter based on unresolved nationallevel disputes may inadvertently undermine established civic structures for youth
engagement.
5. Appeal for Reconsideration in the Interest of Law and Youth Development
The National Youth Council of Nigeria remains fully committed to peaceful
engagement, accountability, transparency, and collaboration with the Osun State
Government in advancing youth development across the State.
In light of the foregoing, we most respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to reconsider
the suspension of official engagement with the NYCN, Osun State Chapter, pending
the final determination of the matter by the courts, in the overriding interest of the
rule of law and sustained youth participation.
Conclusion
Attached herewith is a copy of the court order restraining the Corporate Affairs Commission
and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development from the alleged withdrawal of NYCN’s
certificate, for Your Excellency’s and Osun State Government kind consideration.
While NYCN remains open to investigation, dialogue, reconciliation, and institutional reform
where necessary, we respectfully submit that no administrative authority can lawfully rely on
an alleged revocation of NYCN’s certificate.
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