In a dramatic turn of events, the Edo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has plunged deeper into crisis as its embattled chairman, Alhaji Bako Dogwo, initiates legal proceedings against the national leadership of the association.
The lawsuit, filed on October 20, 2025, by legal representatives Steven A. Onokpachere and F.O. Osayande of Teampact and Company, accuses the national officers of violating AFAN’s constitution and infringing on Dogwo’s rights.
The defendants named in the suit include the Registered Board of Trustees, National President Farouk Rabiu Mudi, Deputy National President II Confidence Mac-Eteli, National Secretary General Dr. Yunusa Halidu, and four others. Central to the dispute is the appointment of a caretaker committee led by Mr. Godwin Asemota, with members Mr. Efosa Atoe, Uzama Osaro, and Mrs. Agol Tracy Ebun.
Dogwo contends that his removal and the installation of the caretaker committee were executed without adherence to AFAN’s constitutional provisions—specifically Articles 13 and 18. He asserts that he was neither notified of any allegations nor given an opportunity to defend himself before being ousted, a move he claims breaches Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair hearing.
According to Dogwo, his five-year tenure, duly elected and still active, cannot be truncated without due process. He argues that the AFAN constitution does not recognize caretaker committees at any level, rendering the appointments null and void.
The lawsuit seeks several declarations from the court:
- That Dogwo remains the legitimate chairman of Edo AFAN.
- That the caretaker committee’s formation is unconstitutional and illegal.
- That his suspension and expulsion are ultra vires and violate his rights.
- That the appointment of national officers during his active tenure is invalid.
Additionally, Dogwo is demanding a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from interfering in the affairs of the Edo State chapter and a compensation of ₦300 million for damages incurred due to the alleged unlawful actions.