A Kwara State High Court has dismissed a suit challenging the leadership of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association, ruling that the case lacked merit and that the tenure of the former executive committee had expired before the action was instituted.

The judgment, delivered in Suit No. KWS/41/2025, followed a legal action instituted by Mr Bayonle Salami and seven others against the Executive Committee of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association in January 2025.

In a statement dated November 4, 2026, the National Executive Committee of the association, led by its National President, Prof. AbdulRazaq Olubusuyi Kilani, FCAI, described the judgment as a victory for democratic principles, institutional stability and continuity in the association's leadership.

According to the statement, the court dismissed the suit in its entirety, holding that the reliefs sought by the claimants had become an academic exercise and had been overtaken by events.

The court reportedly relied on Article 10 of the association's constitution, alongside paragraph seven of the supporting affidavit, which established that the tenure of the Dr Wale Fasakin-led executive committee commenced in 2020 and expired in 2024, before a subsequent election was conducted.

It further noted that the tenure had elapsed before the originating summons was filed in January 2025, making the claims against the association's leadership incapable of producing any practical legal outcome.

The statement explained that even if the claimants' allegation that the former office holder had been removed in 2022 was disputed, the tenure would still have expired in 2024, long before the commencement of the legal proceedings.

The court, according to the association, also considered the interest of justice, observing that another election had since been conducted and a new set of executives elected. It consequently held that allowing the newly elected officers to continue in office was in the interest of justice.

It also reportedly described any attempt to compel the former president, Dr Wale Fasakin, to convene another congress for a fresh election as a clog in the wheel of progress, thereby affirming the need for stability and continuity in the association's leadership.

The court ordered each party to bear its own costs.

Reacting to the judgment, the Kilani-led executive said the ruling affirmed the democratic process and the mandate freely given to the current leadership by members of the association.

It expressed appreciation to stakeholders, members, alumni and well-wishers who supported the association throughout the legal proceedings, particularly those who stood firm in ensuring its survival amid the leadership dispute.

The association also called on Dr Fasakin to desist from what it described as activities capable of undermining its operations, including alleged impersonation of the National President.

Reaffirming its commitment to the association's objectives, the executive said it would continue to promote fellowship among alumni, advance members' welfare, support the development of the University of Ilorin and protect the institution's reputation.

It urged members to put the litigation behind them and join hands in building a united, productive and forward-looking alumni association.

The statement advised members to rely exclusively on the association's official communication channels for information about its activities and programmes.

The statement was signed by Prof. AbdulRazaq O. Kilani, FCAI, National President of the University of Ilorin Alumni Association.