By Ibrahim Babayo, captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, has called for a peaceful resolution to the club’s internal crisis caused by governance disputes. Speaking in Abuja, Babayo stressed the need for transparency and open communication to address the issues that led to the club’s sudden closure by security forces.
The crisis revolves around the election of new members to the Board of Trustees (BOT) following a resolution at the 2024 Annual General Meeting. A Selection Committee had been set up to handle the process, with plans to present its report at an Extraordinary General Meeting on March 15, 2025. However, security measures disrupted the meeting, leaving members frustrated and uncertain.
Babayo clarified that the IBB Golf Club has operated independently since 2004 and obtained a Certificate of Occupancy in 2011. He emphasized that, like other golf clubs established with public funds, the IBB club is self-sufficient and free from government influence.
The ongoing disputes date back to a 2014 AGM, where a committee was assigned to review the club’s constitution. Despite completing the review, disagreements over tenure and age limits for BOT members stalled the implementation of the new constitution, resulting in a lack of functional leadership for years.
“The absence of a quorum among the outgoing BOT has hindered our ability to make essential decisions for the club’s advancement,” Babayo said, calling for unity and cooperation among members to address the challenges.
Expressing regret over the crisis under his leadership, Babayo assured members of his dedication to upholding the club’s constitution and working toward making the IBB Golf Club a leading tourist destination in Africa. He urged all members to stay committed to the club’s values and pursue constructive dialogue to restore stability.
