The President of the Ijesa Youth Forum (IYF), Prince Adeleye Adebusuyi Tobiloba, has resigned from his position following an alleged financial scandal involving the Ijesaland Independent Development Monitors (IIDM).
Adebusuyi’s resignation comes amid growing concerns over financial dealings linked to the group, which is reportedly led by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Yinka Fasuyi.
Sources within the youth body disclosed that the development has generated tension among stakeholders, with increasing calls for transparency and accountability in the management of funds associated with the organization.
Background and Initial Alert
According to the Ijesa Youth Forum Board of Trustees (BOT), the matter came to light on Sunday, April 19, 2026, when the leadership and some members of the Board received a distress call from elders of Ijesaland regarding an urgent issue affecting the leadership of the Forum.
Providing details, Yinka Fasuyi explained that the scandal stemmed from an alleged kickback payment from professional fees amounting to ₦2 million paid by the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) for the development of a website for the operations of IIDM.
The situation became particularly concerning when it was discovered that Adebusuyi Tobi Adeleye, a member of the IIDM watchdog, was allegedly involved, while also serving as President of the IYF. This dual role heightened the gravity of the issue for stakeholders.
As a community leader and father figure, Fasuyi emphasized the need to handle the matter discreetly to prevent public embarrassment and safeguard the image of Ijesa youths.
Discreet Intervention and Denial
In an effort to resolve the issue internally, Fasuyi convened an online meeting on Friday, April 17, 2026, with Dr. Adigun Adewoye (Chairman of IIDM) and Ms. Folasade Ilori (IYF Mentor).
During the meeting, Adebusuyi was requested to:
Admit involvement in the alleged scandal
Refund any funds received as kickback
Submit letters of apology and undertaking to the ICDA
However, all efforts to persuade him to confess were firmly rejected. Despite assurances that the matter would be handled discreetly with internal sanctions to protect his image and that of Mr. Opeyemi Adebowale, he remained adamant.
Even when the possibility of involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was raised, Adebusuyi reportedly insisted that both he and Opeyemi Adebowale were prepared to defend their innocence before the agency.
Escalation and Investigation
Following the failed intervention, stakeholders resolved not to involve law enforcement agencies but instead referred the matter to the IYF Board of Trustees for investigation and reporting to the ICDA Management Team.
At this stage, the issue had expanded beyond the initial stakeholders to include:
The ICDA Management Team
The IIDM Team
The IDF Team
The IYF Board of Trustees
And potentially the wider Ijesa public
The BOT committed to uncovering the truth within 72 hours and successfully submitted its findings, supported by evidence, within the stipulated timeframe.
Contradictions and Evidence
Despite earlier denial, Adebusuyi later confessed his involvement before the BOT—contrary to his previous position.
This development contrasted sharply with an earlier message he sent to Ms. Folasade Ilori, which stated:
“It may also become quite embarrassing for Asiwaju if, at the end of this matter, Opeyemi and I are vindicated and we are compelled to request a public apology for the damage done to our reputation.”
The message was sent shortly after the April 17 meeting, where he had denied any knowledge of kickback payments from the website developer.
The BOT investigation subsequently exposed his deep involvement in the IIDM website contract scandal.
Refund, Apology, and Breach of Oath
Findings revealed that a total sum of ₦361,000 was received as kickback by Adebusuyi Tobi Adeleye and Mr. Opeyemi Adebowale.
The amount was fully refunded to the ICDA account on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with documented evidence of payment.
Additionally, both individuals submitted letters of apology and undertaking on Thursday, April 23, 2026—conditions previously offered privately but initially rejected by Adebusuyi.
The Board noted that these actions constituted a breach of the oath of office taken as members of the seven-member IIDM team, sworn before stakeholders on October 4, 2024, at the Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran Civic Centre, Palace Ground, Ilesa.
Stakeholders’ Decision and IIDM Disengagement
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 23, 2026, involving ICDA, IIDM, and the IYF BOT, members expressed serious concern over continued collaboration with Adebusuyi.
After extensive deliberations, stakeholders declared that they could no longer work with him, citing potential damage to institutional relationships and credibility.
Shortly thereafter, the BOT Secretary received a dismissal letter confirming Adebusuyi’s disengagement from IIDM.
Allegations of Political Bias
Further petitions alleged that Adebusuyi violated the apolitical principle of the IYF by openly aligning with certain political candidates, thereby undermining neutrality.
Stakeholders maintained that, in his position, he was expected to provide equal support to all Ijesa aspirants regardless of political affiliation.
BOT Advisory and Leadership Directive
Following these developments, the BOT issued advisory notices on leadership responsibility to both Adebusuyi and Mr. Adebowale.
The Board stated:
“The Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed recent developments and the concerns arising from the alleged misappropriation and handling of matters affecting the Ijesa Youth Forum.
These developments have generated serious concern among members and stakeholders and have the potential to affect the credibility of both your office and the Forum.”
The BOT further advised Adebusuyi to voluntarily resign within 24 hours:
“After due consideration, the Board, in the interest of peace, accountability, and preservation of the integrity of the Forum, hereby advises you to voluntarily tender your resignation…”
The letter added that failure to comply could result in disciplinary procedures and disclosure to the General Congress and relevant stakeholders.
Failure to Comply and Final Resignation
While Mr. Opeyemi Adebowale complied within the stipulated time, efforts to secure Adebusuyi’s response were unsuccessful.
Instead, he reportedly engaged in consultations with stakeholders and sent apology messages to Yinka Fasuyi, seeking leniency. These actions further heightened public attention on the issue.
After failing to attend a BOT debriefing scheduled for April 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., Adebusuyi submitted his resignation letter at exactly 9:29 p.m. the same day.
In the letter, he cited political reasons for his resignation—claims that stakeholders dispute, maintaining that the resignation was directly linked to the scandal and disciplinary actions.
Investigations further revealed that he had circulated the resignation letter to several individuals and shared it on his WhatsApp status before officially submitting it to the BOT Secretary, portraying it as a voluntary decision to pursue political interests.
Conclusion and Final Position
All evidence relating to the case, including financial records, correspondence, and investigative findings, has been preserved for further investigation and future reference.
In the same vein, the Ijesaland Independent Development Monitors (IIDM) has formally disengaged Adebusuyi from its membership following findings of fraudulent conduct.
Stakeholders have reiterated the need for accountability, discipline, and ethical leadership among youth organizations in Ijesaland, emphasizing that the incident should serve as a lesson for current and future leaders.
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