Babalola Re-Emerges IDA President As Iwoland Descendants Association Unveils New Executive For Second Term
Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada
3 min read
The Iwoland Descendants Association, North America (IDA), has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of High Chief Sarafadeen Babalola, electing him for a second term as President-General of the prestigious socio-cultural and philanthropic body.
The decision followed the conclusion of a rigorous two-week consultative and resolution process conducted by the IDA Electoral Committee, chaired by High Prince Semiu Tadese. The process culminated in the association’s statutory monthly meeting held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, which also formally marked the end of the tenure of the outgoing executives in line with provisions of the association’s constitution.
At the well-attended meeting, members unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chief Babalola, urging him to continue steering the affairs of the association for another term. The endorsement also extended to other members of the executive council, while a few additional members were nominated to strengthen the administration.
Reading from the Electoral Committee’s report, High Prince Semiu Tadese announced the newly nominated executive members, while the committee’s secretary, Alhaji Muh’d-Roji Babajide Sheu, formally presented the full list of officers for the 2026–2028 tenure.
The newly constituted executive council includes:
High Chief Sarafadeen Babalola as President; Mrs. Mayowa Fawole, PhD, Vice President I; Dr. Mutolib Abolusodun, Vice President II; Engr. Marufu Salawu, General Secretary; Dr. Olawale Alimi, Assistant General Secretary; Engr. Yusuf Akintayo Akinbade, PhD, Public Relations Officer; Mallam Abdullah Inaolaji, Assistant PRO; Mrs. Folake Yamuso, Welfare Director; Princess Bola Adeyemi, Assistant Welfare Director; Engr. Kayode Omotoso, Financial Director; Engr. Jamiu Alabi, Assistant Financial Director; Prince Oluwafemi Oyebamiji, Social Director; and Alhaji Akanji as Legal Adviser.
Following the announcement, the functions and responsibilities of each office were clearly outlined to the elected officers. They were subsequently sworn in by Alhaji Adeniyi Ismail Rufai, in strict adherence to the ethics and constitution of the association.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Babalola expressed profound gratitude to members for the renewed trust and confidence reposed in him. He described the mandate as both a call to service and a rare privilege to serve the people of Iwoland, urging all executive members to approach their responsibilities with dedication, humility, and patriotism.
He appealed for sustained support from members across the United States and Canada, stressing that collective commitment remains vital to the association’s growth and impact in Iwoland. According to him, the new administration will consolidate on past achievements while safeguarding the legacy painstakingly built by previous leaders.
Chief Babalola also took time to recount the evolution of the Iwoland Descendants Association in North America, describing it as a visionary initiative birthed in the United States and Canada to unite indigenes of Iwoland in the diaspora. He noted that IDA has grown into a prominent philanthropic organization, distinguished by developmental interventions and community-focused projects.
He acknowledged several notable members whose efforts have contributed immensely to the association’s progress, including Prince Wasiu Abiodun Katayeyanjue, Dr. Mojeed Adeniyi Akintayo-Amere, Dr. Adiatu Ismaila, Pastor Audu, Dr. Mukaila Kareem, Crown Prince Segun Oyebamiji, Dr. Yusuf Akinbade, Comrade Dotun Akinpelu, High Prince Semiu Tadese, Dr. Abdulsemihi Tadese, Alhaji Idris Yinka Ajani, Engr. Kayode Omotosho, among many others.
In his inaugural address for the second term, Chief Babalola spoke candidly about the challenges facing the association, particularly in the areas of financial commitment and social engagement.
“_As a human, I can only assure you of my commitment and best efforts in pushing the IDA forward beyond where I met it,” he said_. “_Our needs must be redirected towards stronger social engagement and financial sustainability. Our financial commitments are not encouraging, and I take responsibility as part of the challenge_.”
He emphasized the need for a more flexible and inclusive membership framework, as permitted by the constitution, to accommodate committed individuals driven by purpose and service.
Expressing optimism about the future, Chief Babalola assured members that with the current crop of executives, the Iwoland Descendants Association is poised to become one of the most effective and successful indigenous organizations connected to Iwoland in the near future.
He extended special appreciation to the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, Prince Alhaji Wasiu Abiodun Katayeyanjue; Dr. Mojeed Adeniyi Akintayo-Amere; Elder Habib Kayode Rahman; Alhaji Adeniyi Rufai; and the Electoral Committee led by High Prince Semiu Tadese, for ensuring a transparent and seamless transition.
The meeting was formally adjourned after closing remarks, with members expressing renewed confidence in the leadership and direction of the association ahead of the next monthly gathering.
