The internal crisis rocking the Obidient Movement has taken a fresh turn as two of its key diaspora directors announced their resignation from the group’s structure, citing lack of leadership, transparency, and accountability.
In a joint statement titled “Decoupling from the Structure of the Obidient Movement” and signed by Dr. David Ogula and Bolanle Emiabata-Anibaba, both serving as Co-Directors of Diaspora Engagement, the duo expressed deep disappointment over what they described as a manipulative, dysfunctional, and self-destructive system within the movement.
“Given a series of manipulative and self-destructive events, we, the undersigned, have decided to decouple ourselves from the present configuration of the structure of the ‘Obidient Movement’ and its ‘directorate,’” the statement read. “This has not been an easy decision; it follows a long period of observation, sober reflection, and ultimately, a deep sense of disappointment.”
The statement noted that despite their unwavering commitment to helping build a structure for the movement, their efforts were constantly undermined by internal chaos and poor organizational ethics.
“When we were approached over a year ago to assist in structuring the movement, we did so with unwavering commitment, driven by a shared vision of a new Nigeria founded on the values of character, integrity, accountability, inclusivity, fairness, and justice,” the duo stated. “However, in the course of establishing the structure, we experienced attitudes that belied the florid public rhetoric. Instead, we were exposed to the default dysfunctional approach to doing things among Nigerians — petty tricks, vagueness, and arbitrary decision-making.”
According to them, the movement’s internal operations were marked by toxic culture, power struggles, and disregard for process and structure. They revealed that decisions were often arbitrary, and leadership positions were used as tools for personal control rather than collective progress.
“The atmosphere was characterized by a persistent toxic culture, symbols, performances, and behaviors that contradicted the ideals Nigerians were asked to uphold,” the statement continued. “Decisions were arbitrary, and interim positions were viewed as opportunities to exert ‘power’ and ‘control,’ while rules were routinely circumvented.”
They further lamented that the supposed movement for a new Nigeria had begun to mirror the dysfunction it sought to oppose. “Repeatedly, the ‘anyhowness’ of Nigeria and the casual disregard for structure, process, and discipline permeated group work. These behaviors contradicted the beliefs of a movement seeking to birth a new Nigeria; they were symptoms of the dysfunction the movement claimed to oppose,” the statement read.
Dr. Ogula, in a separate portion of the statement, accused the organization of being marred by “a casual and ad-hoc approach to conducting business,” which he said had turned what was once a hopeful movement into a constellation of “enthusiastic sycophants, servile followers, and, sadly, innocent Nigerians hanging on to hope.”
He emphasized that the leadership of the movement had failed to embody accountability and had instead alienated the very people it was meant to serve. “A critical missing piece is the understanding that leaders are supposed to be answerable to the people and not vice versa,” he noted. “There was always a looming disclaimer that could undermine the work being done. Nigerians are seeking real leadership — leadership with a vision and the courage to charge through the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics.”
The statement also criticized the handling of diaspora structures, accusing certain individuals of operating without legal knowledge and turning the setup into a dysfunctional, opaque system that stripped the diaspora of its autonomy.
“A carefully planned framework to establish local structures to build a formidable force for good was subverted by pedestrian antics,” it stated. “Ultimately, it became clear that we had been riding on a dirt road in a broken vehicle and had come to a dead end.”
Despite their resignation, both directors reaffirmed their continued commitment to advocating for a better Nigeria. “We are proud of our service and are uncoupling with a deeper understanding of the challenges we face,” they said. “We will continue to advocate for a fair, inclusive, and just Nigeria. We hope to partner with people who are honest, ethical, and committed to the cause of a new and prosperous Nigeria.”
The joint statement, signed on October 10, 2025, by Dr. David Ogula and Mrs. Bolanle Emiabata-Anibaba, concluded with appreciation for those who had supported them during their time in the movement.
“We are grateful to all those who have supported and worked with us in good faith,” they stated.
Their resignation adds to the growing list of prominent figures who have recently distanced themselves from the Obidient Movement, deepening concerns over internal divisions and the movement’s future direction.