The captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Ibrahim Babayo, is urging a peaceful resolution to the internal crisis currently affecting the club, which has arisen from allegations and misunderstandings concerning its governance.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, Babayo emphasized the need for transparency and clear communication regarding the circumstances that led to the club’s sudden closure by security forces.
The controversy centres around the ongoing efforts to elect new members to the Board of Trustees (BOT) after a resolution passed during the club’s Annual General Meeting in 2024. A Selection Committee was established to fill vacancies on the BOT and had completed its work, preparing to present a report at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for 15 March 2025. However, the recent security measures have disrupted this vital process, leaving members anxious and in the dark.
“We aim to provide accurate information regarding the unfortunate events that have unfolded in our esteemed club over the past few days,” Babayo commented. He went on to clarify that the IBB International Golf and Country Club has independently operated without government influence since 2004 and has adhered to all statutory payments, receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in 2011. Like many golf clubs in Nigeria that were established with public funding, the IBB club prides itself on its self-sufficiency.
The ongoing discord has its origins dating back to a 2014 AGM, during which a committee was tasked with reviewing the club’s constitution. Although the review was successfully completed, implementation and registration of the new constitution have been stalled due to internal disputes concerning clauses on tenure and age limits for BOT members. This has resulted in the club lacking a functional BOT for an extended period, hampering its governance and development.
“The absence of a quorum among the outgoing BOT has hindered our ability to make essential decisions for the club’s advancement,” Babayo explained, underscoring the pressing need for resolution.
The club captain called for unity and collaboration among members to collectively navigate these challenges. He dispelled concerns that members of the executive committee aimed to usurp control of the club and appoint BOT members, asserting that no executive committee or BOT member possesses the right to appropriate any part of the club.
“I would point them to Section 32.2 of the club constitution, which clearly states that no member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) or executive committee shall have a proprietary interest in any club property, and that no member of the executive committee or BOT shall receive a salary or any monetary benefit. There is no way any member can appropriate any segment of the club. The IBB International Golf and Country Club is a national asset, and we, as members, are there to enjoy it while respecting due process to enhance the club’s status,” Babayo affirmed.
Regretting that this crisis has occurred under his leadership, Babayo expressed his determination to make challenging decisions that will transform the club into a leading tourist destination in Africa. “It is unfortunate that this is happening while I serve as captain, but I committed to upholding the club’s constitution upon taking office. If you ask the club members, they would say I am unafraid to make difficult decisions, much like our esteemed president. My choices are motivated by the club’s interests, and together we will overcome this situation.”
Babayo encourages all members to remain devoted to the club’s values and mission, assuring them that constructive dialogue and proactive measures will be prioritised to foster growth and restore normalcy.
As the situation develops, members are hopeful for a swift resolution that will enable the club to embark on a new chapter of progress and leadership, securing a vibrant future for one of Nigeria’s premier golf destinations.
