IPMAN Denies Leadership Crisis, Confirms Godwin Iroghama as Legitimate Benin Depot Chairman

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has dismissed reports of a leadership tussle within its Benin Depot chapter, reaffirming that there is no ongoing crisis in the association.

Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, IPMAN’s National Ex-Officio and former Benin Depot chairman, Douglas Iyike, clarified that the individuals who recently paid a courtesy visit to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo were not the officially recognized leaders of the association.

Iyike explained that a valid election was held on September 20, 2025, during which Godwin Iroghama was duly elected as chairman alongside 18 other executive members to serve a five-year term, in accordance with IPMAN’s 2009 constitution.

He emphasized that the Supreme Court, in a 2018 ruling, had settled all factional disputes within IPMAN, restoring peace and unity to the body. According to him, talk of a “reconciliation committee” was misleading, as no such crisis currently exists to warrant it.

“There is no crisis in IPMAN. The Supreme Court resolved all issues in 2018,” Iyike said. “We respect Governor Monday Okpebholo and believe in his leadership, but we think he was not properly briefed on this matter. Our constitution provides for a five-year tenure, and the election was conducted in full compliance with that.”

Iyike accused some individuals of attempting to exploit an outdated constitution that stipulates a three-year tenure to sow confusion, claiming they acted under government authority to disrupt the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the newly elected chairman, Godwin Iroghama, confirmed that his leadership emerged through a legitimate process and that he officially took over from the outgoing chairman after a proper handover ceremony.

He assured that the new executive would work to strengthen unity and transparency among members and continue engaging with the government and relevant stakeholders to improve operations at the Benin Depot.

The IPMAN leadership also urged Nigerians to disregard strike threats by a South-East faction, describing it as “unauthorized and unrepresentative of the association’s national position.”

With the latest clarification, the association seeks to reaffirm stability across its branches, particularly amid concerns over fuel distribution and depot management.