By Amos Odeh, Yenagoa.
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has advised tourism stakeholders, government agencies and the general public to cease interactions with Prince Femi Fadina as President, following his recent suspension by the Board of Trustees (BoT) for breaching the organization’s constitution.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, National Publicity Secretary of the Association and former Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa State governor on Tourism, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo said the earlier announced suspension by the Board of Trustees was ratified by the Governing Council at its meeting on September 28, 2025.
Dr. Kiyaramo explained that the Governing Council ratified the suspension after a thorough review of his response to the allegations, which the council found unsatisfactory, informing that Prince Fadina is now facing a disciplinary panel as part of the due process in accordance with the provisions of the association’s constitution.
Prince Ayo Arokoyo, the First Deputy President, who has since assumed office as Acting President with a pledge to uphold the association’s constitution and govern inclusively has initiated the process for inaugurating the ATPN Standing Committees, which had been delayed, Dr. Kiyaramo stated.
The association’s spokesman called on all tourism stakeholders, government agencies, and the public to recognize Prince Ayo Arokoyo as the Acting President of ATPN, following Prince Femi Fadina’s suspension, warning that any contrary claims or actions should be treated with skepticism.
“The public should note that claims of executive council support for Prince Fadina’s actions against the Board of Trustees are false. ATPN advises the general public, and specifically the tourism community, to be guided accordingly. Prince Fadina should desist from parading himself as the president of ATPN as this amounts to impersonation and criminal under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Governing Council ratified his earlier suspension to allow the investigative panel to do its assignment without fear or favour and submit its findings to the Governing body, while the 1st deputy president acts in his place, pending the resolution of the matter.
“Prince. Fadina’s tenure has been characterized by constitutional breaches, including unilaterally establishing Committees and appointing himself and others without constitutional authority, opening and posting an unauthorized UBA account, disregarding the Executive Council in selecting ATPN delegates to the FTAN AGM, setting up parallel ATPN Whatsapp platforms, despite several advice and intervention of the BOT.
“The Executive Council has been ineffective under Prince. Fadina’s leadership, with no successful meetings in ten months. Instead, he fostered conflicts and ran the council with close associates.
“To avoid potential embarrassment and legal implications, I advise Prince. Fadina against presenting himself as ATPN President, as this could constitute impersonation given his suspension, “Dr. Kiyaramo reiterated.
Recall that tourism is a significant sector globally, contributing to economic growth, cultural exchange, and employment. Nigeria’s tourism industry, in particular, has vast potential due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant creative industries.
The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) plays a crucial role in shaping the industry’s direction and advocating for stakeholders’ interests.
