OMFA Leadership Under Fire: Members Demand Transparency Amid Financial Scandal, Executive Defiance, and Intimidation Tactics
By Genius Multimedia (SL)The Old Makeni Franciscans Association (OMFA) is facing an unprecedented crisis as a growing number of its members accuse the current leadership of constitutional breaches, financial mismanagement, and systematic intimidation. Tensions reached boiling point this week after the OMFA Renaissance Exodus, a coalition of long-standing members advocating for transparency and good governance, formally lodged a complaint detailing serious irregularities under the current Executive.
In a significant development, the Head of OMFA’s Board (Chairman) acted swiftly upon receiving the complaint by summoning the President of OMFA to a meeting. However, the President reportedly refused to meet with the Board Chairman, offering flimsy excuses and questioning the legitimacy of the concerned members—despite clear evidence proving the contrary.
A Defiant Executive: Ignoring the Board, Undermining Members
The OMFA President’s claim that the Renaissance Exodus members are not “paid-up” members has been swiftly debunked, with official receipts provided confirming consistent subscription payments. Furthermore, the group comprises well-known, committed members of OMFA, whose contributions span years of dedicated service to the Association.
This blatant disregard for the authority of the Board and the concerns of genuine members is now sparking wider outrage.
Worryingly, multiple reports also indicate that the Executive has gone beyond mere defiance. In an apparent attempt to stifle dissent, the leadership has resorted to reaching out to close relatives of concerned members, allegedly pressuring them to convince their loved ones to abandon the push for accountability. This troubling tactic not only infringes on personal boundaries but further underscores the leadership’s unwillingness to engage constructively.
Core Allegations: Constitutional Violations and Financial Secrecy
The detailed formal complaint highlights a range of pressing governance issues: • Failure to convene the 2024 AGM: Despite constitutional obligations, the Executive delayed the meeting without notice and attempted to limit attendance unlawfully. • Financial opacity: For fiscal years 2022-2024, no financial statements have been presented, violating Article IV of OMFA’s Constitution. Members demand full disclosure of revenue, donations, and expenditures. • Unlawful expulsions and intimidation: Several members were arbitrarily removed from official OMFA platforms, with threats directed at those raising concerns. • Neglect of welfare obligations: Most notably, OMFA failed to provide support following the death of Kanko, a loyal Executive member, in contravention of its constitutional duties. • Inaccurate subscription records: Members discovered discrepancies in subscription logs, despite having payment receipts, fueling suspicions of deliberate mismanagement.
A Movement for Accountability Gains Momentum
The Renaissance Exodus has issued a clear ultimatum: 1. Full financial disclosure from 2022-2024 2. Reinstatement of unlawfully expelled members, accompanied by formal apologies 3. Correction and publication of subscription records 4. Immediate end to member intimidation 5. Transparent explanation for AGM delays 6. Structured welfare plan for bereaved families and members
Their message is simple: Restore transparency, or face wider action.
Turning Point: Will OMFA’s Leadership Listen?
OMFA’s once-sterling reputation as a model alumni organization grounded in Franciscan values of integrity, service, and community is now under serious threat. The President’s refusal to engage with the Board and continued suppression of legitimate grievances paints a troubling picture of an Association drifting dangerously from its founding principles.
The wider membership—both at home and across diaspora chapters—are now closely watching the Executive’s next move. As calls for transparency grow louder, one question looms large:
Will OMFA’s leadership finally step up, or will it allow the Association’s credibility to crumble under the weight of secrecy and defiance?
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