The Nigerian community in the UK has been thrown into turmoil following a wave of resignations among its leadership. The President of the Nigerian Twitter (X) community in the UK, Mr. Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as Oluomo of Derby, has officially stepped down amidst mounting allegations of financial mismanagement.
Leadership Exodus
The social media-based community, which boasts over 75,000 Nigerians across the UK, has been a hub for networking, support, and cultural celebrations. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its leadership, with members raising concerns over financial transparency and governance.
Amid increasing scrutiny, Oluomo of Derby and several other executives announced their resignations on their respective X pages last Thursday. The allegations center around discrepancies in financial records and concerns over how funds were managed.
Kuti Acknowledges Shortcomings
In his resignation statement, Kuti accepted responsibility for the situation and expressed regret over the lack of financial transparency.
“I take full responsibility for the turn of events over the years and the current unsettling state of the community,” he wrote. “I will be stepping down as a moderator, and all official posts will now require approval from the NEB.”
He further assured members that he would oversee a smooth transition and remain a Principal Steering Committee (PSC) member of the organization.
Resignations Continue
Following Kuti’s announcement, other executives also stepped down. A volunteer consultant, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that he had completed his financial reporting duties and was resigning immediately.
“Having submitted the financial statements and tax filings for the periods 22/11/2022 to 30/11/2023 and 1/12/2023 to 31/12/2024, my job is done,” he stated.
Similarly, another official, Rullah, admitted financial discrepancies and promised to refund all monies he had received.
“I take full responsibility for my actions. As a demonstration of my commitment to making amends, I will refund all funds received, paid in installments back into the NIUK official account.”
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
The Nigerian X community in the UK has been abuzz with accusations of financial impropriety. Members questioned why expenditures skyrocketed from £9,440.41 in 2023 to £68,224.11 in 2024.
Breakdowns of the community’s financial records revealed:
- 2024 revenue: £36,035.55
- Sponsorship/partnerships & donations: £2,997.00 (2023)
- End-of-year party expenses: £7,225.65 (2023) vs. £5,061.00 (2024)
- Community support/donations: £5,350.00 (2023) vs. £813.65 (2024)
These inconsistencies led to widespread backlash, with many demanding further accountability. One concerned member, Ola Dayo, raised pressing questions:
“How did expenditure jump from £9,440.41 in 2023 to £68,224.11 in 2024? Why is the December 2023 end-of-year party listed in the 2024 accounts?”
Another user, Rire, frustrated by the controversy, called for the deletion of the community’s official X account.
Members Demand More Answers
Despite the resignations, community members remain dissatisfied, arguing that the leaders’ departure does not absolve them of responsibility. Some leaders have since protected their posts, limiting engagement from members who continue to demand explanations.
The future of the Nigerian UK online community remains uncertain, with many calling for an independent audit and new leadership structures to restore trust.
Stay tuned for updates on Naija UK Connect.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
