Ajanaku Lacks Legal Authority to Expel Members, Says NCAN President Adesokan

The National President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Ademola Adesokan, has stated that former president, Ojo Ajanaku, has no legal authority to expel members or suspend the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT), describing such actions as invalid and contrary to an existing court judgment.

Adesokan, who was elected at NCAN’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos on January 20, 2026, explained that Ajanaku’s tenure ended in November 2022 in line with the association’s 2007 constitution, which stipulates a single three-year term.

In a statement supported by court documents and other evidence, Adesokan argued that an individual whose tenure has expired cannot lawfully exercise disciplinary powers within the association.

“Ajanaku has no authority to expel me or suspend the BoT leadership. His tenure has long ended, and any such actions are invalid,” he said.

Adesokan further described Ajanaku’s continued claim to leadership as unlawful and inconsistent with a subsisting court ruling. He cited a Consent Judgment delivered by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on November 9, 2019, in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/439/2016, which directed NCAN to revert to its 2007 constitution and confirmed that Ajanaku’s tenure ended in November 2022.

“You cannot override a court judgment with a press conference or meeting resolution. Authority in NCAN comes from law and structure, not claims,” Adesokan added, urging Ajanaku to respect the rule of law.

On the composition of the Board of Trustees, Adesokan dismissed claims that the board had been expanded to eleven members, describing the assertion as unfounded and inconsistent with official records.

He maintained that certified records from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) recognize only five trustees: Tunji Owoeye, Bode Omoyeni, Sonie Stevenson, Ade Adesida, and Tola Faseru.

“The Board of Trustees remains duly constituted, and any attempt to alter or suspend it outside due legal process has no effect,” he said.

Adesokan also referenced the position of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, which warned that actions taken in violation of a subsisting court judgment could attract legal consequences.

In a letter dated April 1, 2026, the ministry emphasized that all parties must adhere strictly to the court ruling and expressed concern over Ajanaku’s continued claim to leadership, noting that it contradicts the association’s legal framework.

The ministry further cautioned that such actions risk deepening the leadership crisis and undermining governance within NCAN.

Adesokan warned that the ongoing dispute could negatively impact the cashew sector, stressing the need for stability and coordinated policy engagement to maintain investor confidence and support farmers.

He also highlighted his industry experience, noting that his company, Annie Glidden Commodities Nigeria Limited, established in 2022 in Kwara State, has attracted investment and created jobs, particularly for women.

According to him, the association requires leadership grounded in practical industry knowledge to position Nigeria competitively in the global cashew market, in line with national industrial policy objectives and the economic vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reaffirming his stance, Adesokan called on Ajanaku to respect the court ruling and refrain from actions that could undermine the association’s legal framework.