Ife, Ijesa Zones Declare “We Remain ATSO” as Members Reaffirm Loyalty Amid National Crisis
Official Credit: Mr. Ebenezer Aluko (Alpha Beta) Ijesa ATSO Zonal Secretary.
The Ife and Ijesa Zonal Chapters of the Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO) have publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to the national body of the association, declaring unequivocally that they remain committed to ATSO amid the ongoing crisis rocking the organisation at both state and national levels.
The resolution was reached during a joint meeting of the two zones held on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at Easy Make Top Tutors, Ilesa.
Akahi News gathered that the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, was convened to deliberate on recent developments following the association’s national election and the reported emergence of a parallel body known as NATSO.
Background: Crisis Following National Election
Addressing members at the meeting, Mr. Ademola Adedoyin (Demol), an ATSO State Treasurer and Chairman of ATSO Ife Zone, traced the roots of the crisis to the recently concluded national election.
According to him, tensions escalated after the poll, leading to divisions within the state chapter. He noted that the state-level friction was allegedly linked to the actions of Alhaji Isola Moruf (Safe), described as the embattled ATSO Governor, who reportedly aligned with a newly formed parallel structure known as NATSO.
Mr. Adedoyin stressed that ATSO has historically been known for integrity, principled leadership, and transparent administration — values he said have consistently defined the Ife and Ijesa Zones at both state and national levels.
He suggested that the inability of some other zones, particularly Osogbo, to uphold those standards contributed to the recent breakaway.
“ATSO has always stood for discipline, credibility, and professional solidarity. Those principles must not be compromised,” he reportedly told members.
Commendations for Electoral Integrity
In his remarks, Mr. Adedoyin commended the courage and resilience of Mr. Martins Smart (Goodnews), who served as an Independent Electoral Commission official during the national election, describing his role as pivotal in maintaining credibility throughout the process.
He also praised Mr. Kehinde Ademola (Alpha Beta), a delegate from Ilesa, for what he described as steadfast commitment to due process during the electoral exercise.
Observers at the meeting noted that the commendations reflected a broader attempt by the zones to reinforce confidence in the legitimacy of the national leadership.
Networking Beyond Ife and Ijesa
Responding to questions about the future of ATSO’s networking framework within Osun State, Mr. Adedoyin clarified that activities would not be restricted to Ife and Ijesa Zones alone.
He explained that ATSO’s operational presence would continue to extend to Osogbo and other emerging zones, including Ejigbo, provided members demonstrate collective commitment and cooperation.
Akahi News learnt that this assurance was aimed at dispelling fears that the crisis might fragment the association’s operational structure across the state.
“Our Bond Is Indivisible” — Leaders Stress Unity
Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Oluwasanmi Fatukasi (Make Hay), an ATSO Osun leader and immediate past Chairman of ATSO Ijesa Zone, described the relationship between Ife and Ijesa Zones as indivisible.
He urged members to remain resolute, warning that internal divisions could weaken the association’s bargaining power and professional standing.
“The strength of ATSO lies in our unity. We must sustain it,” he reportedly said.
Mr. Collins Bamisaye (First-Colinks) echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the practical benefits of sustained ATSO membership, including seamless admission facilitation for students and professional solidarity among operators.
Resolutions Reached at the Meeting
After extensive deliberations and contributions from members present, the meeting unanimously resolved as follows:
- The Ife and Ijesa Zones remain firmly within ATSO.
- They do not recognise any faction or parallel structure outside the national body.
- They reaffirm continued support for ATSO National leadership.
However, members agreed that all state-level WhatsApp group activities and certain administrative engagements would be temporarily placed on hold pending the outcome of a reconciliation meeting proposed by ATSO National leaders and the Board of Trustees.
The reconciliation meeting is scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State.
It was further resolved that the joint Ife/Ijesa WhatsApp platform, as well as individual zonal platforms, would remain operational strictly for coordination and communication purposes.
Attendance and Proceedings
The meeting commenced at 1:55 p.m. with an opening prayer led by Rock of Ages and was anchored by the Chairman of ATSO Ijesa Zone, Mr. Stephen Olawuyi (Sturgard), who welcomed four representatives from Ife Zone and seventeen from Ijesa Zone.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the State Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tope Olowookere (2Sure), who appreciated members for their participation and emphasised the need for sustained unity and mutual support.
The session concluded at 3:46 p.m. with a closing prayer led by Mr. Dotun Adesanmi (Dotma).
Among those present were ATSO State Executives including:
- Oluwasanmi Fatukasi (Make Hay) – Deputy Governor
- Ademola Adedoyin (Demol) – Treasurer
- Kehinde Ademola (Alpha Beta) – Assistant General Secretary
- Tope Olowookere (2Sure) – Public Relations Officer
Other notable attendees included Stephen Olawuyi (Sturgard), Collins Bamisaye (First-Colinks), Ebenezer Aluko (Alpha Beta), Martins Smart (Goodnews), Dotun Adesanmi (Dotma), Olushola Akinwumi (Sholak), Oladele Afolayan (Beulah), Kolawole Opesan (Blessed), Olawale Ojo (Wapet), Ademola Babalola (Success Grabbers), Olusola Abiona (God’s Time), Adenike Olusesi (Rock of Ages), Timothy Adeleke (D’Pathfinder), Olalere Kayode (God’s Own), Adekunle Abolarin (Fabulous), Olaniyi Olapade (Easy Make), and a Board of Trustees member from the state, represented by Mr. Charles.
What This Means for ATSO in Osun
The strong declaration from the Ife and Ijesa Zones signals a decisive stance amid the internal turbulence within ATSO. Analysts believe that the outcome of the proposed reconciliation meeting in Ibadan will be pivotal in determining whether the association regains cohesion or faces prolonged division.
For now, the message from Ife and Ijesa is clear: they remain within ATSO and recognise only the national body as legitimate.
As developments unfold, Akahi News will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates for stakeholders within the tutorial education sector.
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