Nigerian Legion: Lagos Chairman Declares Eligibility for Second Term
The Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, says he is eligible to contest for a second term in office.
Wolimoh made the clarification on Monday while debunking allegations that members of the legion staged a protest at its Lagos office on Nov. 2.
He described the gathering as a meeting of misinformed veterans who visited the office to seek clarification over an alleged verification exercise of service documents.
"There was never any protest. What we had on November 2, 2026, was a gathering of some misinformed veterans in Lagos State.
"They were made to believe that there was going to be verification of credentials of service documents at the Nigerian Legion Lagos office," he said.
Wolimoh blamed the misinformation on Mr Philip Adedokun, a retired warrant officer and former serviceman, who is contesting against him for the chairmanship.
He said only the national chairman of the legion, based in Abuja, could issue a directive for such a verification exercise.
According to him, he contacted the national chairman, who clarified that no such exercise had been authorised for Nov. 2.
Wolimoh also dismissed allegations that he mismanaged funds generated from the sale of legion emblems.
He said all proceeds from emblem sales and other income were presented to the council’s executives for deliberation on their utilisation.
The chairman also rejected claims that he was ineligible to contest, following allegations that he had spent eight years in leadership.
He explained that his eight-year tenure was as chairman of the legion’s Ojo Local Government Area council, while he had served only four years as chairman of the Lagos State Council.
"There is nowhere in the Act that says if you have spent eight years as local government chairman, you cannot spend eight years as state chairman.
"So, I am eligible to contest and will be contesting again," he said.
Wolimoh said elections into the Lagos State Council were scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, but had been postponed due to technicalities.
He said a new date would be communicated to members in due course.
The chairman urged members to avoid actions capable of undermining unity and the welfare objectives of the legion.
He said the organisation was established to promote comradeship among ex-servicemen and improve the welfare of veterans and their families.
Wolimoh also urged registered members to familiarise themselves with the Nigerian Legion Act and participate actively in activities at their respective local government areas.
