JUST IN: Protest erupts at Akure Stadium over Sports Council GM appointment

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Tension gripped the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, on Tuesday as sports stakeholders staged a protest against the appointment of Mrs Evelyn Lebi as Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council.

The demonstrators, including union leaders, coaches and athletes, argued that Lebi’s appointment would not advance sports development in the state. They called for a more competent technocrat to lead the council.

A coach, Fisayo Bello, Coordinating Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), described sports in Ondo State as “comatose” and in urgent need of revival.

“We need someone with a passion for sports who can take us back to our glorious days, not backwards. Lebi contested four years ago, we said no, and we are saying no now. We want a better person, a technocrat who can take us back to our glorious days, not backwards,” Bello said.

Osifo Moses, AUPCTRE Vice Chairman and a boxing coach, added that the council required a reputable and committed leader to reinvigorate sporting activities.

Joshua Ogunbiyi, Chairman of the Ondo State Professional Coaches Association, clarified that the protest was not directed at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whom he praised for his commitment to sports.

“We want somebody vibrant and competent. Lebi has contested for this position multiple times, and we believe she is not the right fit,” he said.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, described the protest as “strange” and unjustified. According to him, Lebi, a Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth and Sports with over 15 years of experience, was qualified for the role, adding that the appointment would help reposition the sector rather than hinder it.