The League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) has rejected a disclaimer reportedly issued by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, insisting that the association is an independent professional body whose existence does not depend on the constitutional framework of the journalists’ union.

In a statement jointly e-signed and made available to the media by its Convener/President, AbuSatar Hamed, and Secretary-General, Simeon Fakeye, LOYAMP described the Ogun NUJ’s position as malicious and constitutionally ignorant, arguing that the union lacks the legal authority to question the legitimacy of an association that neither originated from nor operated under its structure.

According to the association, LOYAMP was established through the collective will of media professionals across the Yewa-Awori axis with the objective of promoting regional development, strengthening grassroots journalism, and advancing community-oriented reporting.

The group maintained that it has never presented itself as an organ, chapel, or affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, stressing that its operations are independent of the NUJ.

“It is both disturbing and disappointing that, in the 21st century, individuals who occupy leadership positions within a professional body appear to lack a clear understanding of the constitutional rights and boundaries governing their union under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is on record that LOYAMP has never claimed to exist within the constitutional structure of the NUJ. We are an entirely independent and sovereign professional association established by media practitioners to advance the interests of our region and profession”, the statement read.

The association argued that the Ogun State Council of the NUJ cannot invalidate an organisation it neither created nor administers, insisting that the disclaimer issued against it lacks constitutional and legal foundation.

LOYAMP further anchored its position on Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guaranteed every citizen the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

According to the association, the constitutional provision empowers professionals to freely establish associations without interference, provided such organisations operate within the law.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is supreme. No trade union, council resolution or internal organisational framework can deprive citizens of their constitutional right to assemble and form lawful professional associations,” the statement added.

The association also challenged what it described as the perception that the Nigeria Union of Journalists exercised exclusive authority over media practice in the country.

LOYAMP noted that while the NUJ is recognised under the Trade Unions Act as a registered trade union representing journalists within institutional media establishments, it does not possessed statutory powers to regulate or license journalism practice in Nigeria.

The statement observed that the contemporary media landscape has evolved significantly, with digital journalism, independent publishing, broadcast media, and online content creation expanding beyond traditional newsroom structures.

According to the association, professionals operating within these sectors retain the legal freedom to organise themselves into independent professional bodies without requiring authorisation from the NUJ.

LOYAMP further argued that the media landscape in Ogun West deserved broader representation than what it described as the existing structure within the NUJ.

While acknowledging the existence of the Ota Independent Online Chapel under the Ogun State Council of the NUJ, the association maintained that the expansive socio-economic and cultural diversity of the Ogun West Senatorial District requires wider grassroots engagement and more decentralised media representation.

It said its membership consists of experienced media practitioners whose professional activities continue to contribute to public information, community development, and responsible journalism across Yewa-Awori and beyond.

The association described itself as a platform created to bridge what it called a representation gap for indigenous media professionals within the region with a view to inform, educate and entertain the citizens.

Addressing government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and security agencies, LOYAMP urged stakeholders to disregard the disclaimer issued by the Ogun State Council.

The association reaffirmed that it remains fully operational and committed to ethical journalism, professional excellence and constructive engagement with public and private institutions.

It pledged to continue representing its members, promoting credible news coverage and supporting developmental initiatives throughout the Yewa-Awori axis and beyond.

LOYAMP also warned that any attempt to intimidate, harass or unlawfully interfere with the activities of its members would be challenged through appropriate legal channels.

According to the association, it remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of its members while pursuing its objectives within the framework of the law