CYFAN Refutes Leadership Crisis In Group

The General Assembly of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Alumni Network (CYFAN) has issued a strong statement refuting recent misleading publications concerning its leadership and governance.

The statement, signed by the Co-Chairpersons of the Transitional Committee, Dr. Azeezat Yishawu and Rhoda Robinson, disavows any actions or representations made by individuals purporting to act as the Association’s Executive Committee.

According to the statement, the controversial publication—which slanders the recent past President of the Association—was released without consultation with the General Assembly and does not reflect the official position or values of CYFAN. The statement specifically names Rashidi Williams (also known as Tsitsi Enyonam) and Okechukwu Victor, declaring that any actions, publications, or representations made by the Board of Trustees or these individuals are unauthorized, null, void, and of no legal effect.

CYFAN, which is composed of fellows who have completed the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) established by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos State, operates as an independent, self-governing entity under Nigerian law. The use of the Carrington name is meant to honor the legacy of the late Ambassador Walter Carrington and does not imply any legal affiliation or proprietary interest by the Carrington family.

In a related development, the General Assembly condemned an unconstitutional attempt by the Board of Trustees to suspend, remove, and replace a duly elected executive member of the Association. This action was outlined in a position paper titled “The Purported Suspension/Removal/Replacement of the President, Mr. Olusola Owonikoko by the Board of Trustees of CYFAN; Unconstitutional, Illegal and Void,” dated January 27, 2025.

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In response, Dr. Olusola Owonikoko promptly submitted the Executive Board’s financial records for review by the General Assembly, the Board of Trustees, and an independent audit by a qualified firm. The U.S. Consulate has also been informed of these proceedings. To date, no evidence of financial misappropriation or wrongdoing has been identified.

Despite efforts by the General Assembly to engage in dialogue and resolve the administrative impasse in accordance with constitutional procedures, the Board of Trustees unilaterally expelled Dr. Owonikoko via email in February 2025 and subsequently constituted an Executive Board without proper consultation.

In reaction, the General Assembly convened an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on March 1, 2025. The meeting resulted in several key resolutions:
The rejection of the imposition of the unapproved Executive Board members.
The constitution of a Transition Committee to facilitate a smooth leadership change and restore organizational normalcy.
The passing of a vote of no confidence against the Board of Trustees, recommending its dissolution.

The General Assembly warned the public that any dealings with Victor Okechukwu and Rashidi Williams (Tsitsi Enyonam) are undertaken at the parties’ own risk and without the backing or approval of CYFAN.

Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, transparency, and organizational integrity, CYFAN stressed that Dr. Olusola Owonikoko remains a bona fide and respected member of the Association. The General Assembly commended his contributions, which have strengthened the network, deepened member engagement, and advanced youth development initiatives across Nigeria.

CYFAN calls upon all stakeholders to honor the democratic will of its members and to support the ongoing transition process. The Association advises the public to rely solely on its official communication channels for accurate updates regarding the leadership transition and other organizational activities.