A co-founder and pioneer President of Kunav Elite Daughters (KED) Worldwide, Joy Mngunengen Iorhuna, has rejected her indefinite suspension from the socio-cultural organisation, describing the action as unconstitutional, procedurally defective and contrary to the principles of natural justice.
In a letter dated July 23, addressed to the President of KED Worldwide, Iorhuna challenged the suspension communicated to her through a letter dated July 20.
Iorhuna maintained that the disciplinary action stemmed from a post she made on her personal Facebook account, “Joy M. Iorhuna,” in which she expressed grief over the death of HRH Clement Uganden, Tor Jechira and commented on developments affecting her Mbakaange community. She argued that the post was made strictly in her personal capacity as a citizen and indigene of Kunav and did not represent the views or position of KED.
She further contended that her comments touched on matters of public concern, including the closure of Agbo Market and issues surrounding the political representation of her elder brother, Dr. Matthew Damkor. According to her, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees her right to freedom of expression, including the liberty to express opinions on matters of public interest.
The former KED President also alleged that she received information suggesting her Facebook post was discussed at an external political meeting, where political office holders allegedly pressured the organisation’s leadership to sanction her. She said if the reports were true, they raised serious concerns about the independence of KED, stressing that the organisation was established in 2022 as a non-political body to promote the welfare, unity and advancement of Kunav women.
Outlining the grounds for rejecting the suspension, Iorhuna argued that the organisation’s constitution did not empower its Executive Council to impose an indefinite suspension over personal opinions expressed on a private social media platform. She also claimed she was denied fair hearing, stating that she was neither invited to answer allegations, informed of any complaint against her nor given an opportunity to defend herself before any disciplinary committee.
She further described the decision as selective and discriminatory, noting that she belongs to several other socio-cultural organisations, including KLUB D’8, Mbakaange Youth Development Association (MAYODA), Kunav Youth Organisation (KAYO) and KUDA, none of which had sanctioned her over the same issue. Iorhuna also highlighted her contributions to KED as a co-founder, pioneer President, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and current Public Relations Officer, insisting that any action affecting her reputation should strictly comply with the organisation’s constitution and due process.
As part of the remedies sought, Iorhuna called on the leadership of KED to immediately withdraw the suspension, restore her offices and membership rights, issue a clarification to members to protect her reputation, and ensure the organisation remains free from undue political influence. She requested that the issues be addressed within 72 hours of receiving her letter, warning that she reserved the right to pursue all legal remedies available under the Constitution of Nigeria while maintaining that her objective was to protect the principles of fairness, justice, unity, integrity and service upon which KED was founded.
