By: Aduwo Ayodele 

The Kegites Club of Nigeria, National Headquarters, University of Ibadan, has responded to a broadcast recently publicized by the Law Students Society (LSS), University of Ibadan, which had described the Kegites club as an organization which promotes “drinking contests, irresponsibility, and unwholesome behaviour.”

The rejoinder titled, “Rejoinder to the Law Students Society (LSS): Setting the Record Straight” was signed by Chief Abiona Matthew Oluwapelumi (AB National), for and on behalf of the Kegites Club, National headquaters, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

“The Kegites Club of Nigeria, National Headquarters, University of Ibadan, wishes to address recent statements and publications by the Law Students Society (LSS) that misrepresents the mission, values, and contributions of our esteemed Club. This publication, which cast unfounded aspersions on the Kegites Club of Nigeria, fail to recognize our rich cultural heritage, intellectual contributions, and alignment with constitutional freedoms. This rejoinder aims to clarify our position, correct these inaccuracies, and advocate for constructive dialogue and understanding,” the release noted.

“Established in 1971, the Kegites Club of Nigeria is a cultural organization committed to promoting African heritage, intellectualism, and unity. Contrary to the erroneous claims made by the LSS, the Club does not promote irresponsible behaviour or the consumption of alcohol. Our activities centre on intellectual discourse, cultural appreciation, and community-building initiatives that foster camaraderie among students. It is important to emphasize that the Kegites Club of Nigeria operates with strict adherence to the values of discipline, mutual respect, and inclusivity,” the release added.

About a week ago, a short broadcast from a unit known as “Ethics & Litigation Department, Law Students Society, University of Ibadan” warned Law students against participating in Kegites Club palm-wine drinking contest.

The unit noted that engaging in such would be a ‘flagrant violation of Part A, Rule 4 of the LSS Code of Conduct, 2024 (as amended),” with defaulters risking sanctions “as prescribed by the faculty authorities“.

Responding, the Kegites Club described the accusation as baseless and lacking of evidence.

“The publications by the LSS falsely allege that the Kegites Club of Nigeria promotes drinking contests, irresponsibility, and unwholesome behaviour. These accusations are baseless and lack any evidence. The Club does not condone or engage in activities that compromise the moral or academic standards of its members or the university at large. It is disheartening that such misconceptions are being propagated without due diligence or a genuine effort to understand our principles,” the release stated.

The Kegites Club in its statement also rejected the inclusion of what it described as an ‘unconstitutional provision within the LSS constitution” which appeared to marginalize the fundamental right of its members to join an association.

“The Kegites Club of Nigeria also rejects the inclusion of unconstitutional provisions within the LSS constitution that appear to marginalize the rights of its members. Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the freedom of association for all citizens. As such, the Club views any attempt to limit or mischaracterize its members’ rights as unjust and unacceptable,” the release noted.

Demanding and calling for a constructive engagement considering misrepresentations, the Kegites Club of Nigeria demanded that the Law Students Society retracts its defamatory statement made against the Kegites club, make a public retraction of the defamatory statements made against the Kegites

Club, formally apologizes, acknowledging the inaccuracies in its publication, as well as eliminating constitutional provision within the LSS constitution which prohibits the right of members to belong to associations.

“We urge the LSS to engage in open and constructive dialogue to foster better understanding and collaboration. As an organization rooted in cultural and intellectual values, the Kegites Club of Nigeria remains committed to promoting harmony and mutual respect within the university community.”

The Kegites Club added that it would take further actions against the Law Students Society if it refuses to promptly correct the defamatory broadcast.

“We also reserve the right to pursue appropriate legal and administrative measures if the defamatory statements are not promptly addressed. It is our hope that this rejoinder clarifies our position and paves the way for a more inclusive and respectful relationship between the Kegites Club of Nigeria and the LSS,” the Kegites Club release warned.