Ondo Athletes, Coaches Protest Appointment of Sports Council Acting GM

Hundreds of Ondo State athletes and coaches today shut down activities at the Ondo State Sports Council, protesting the appointment of Mrs Evelyn Lebi as Acting General Manager of the council.

The angry protesters blocked the main gate of the Sports Council, preventing staff members and directors from gaining access to their offices, an action that completely paralysed activities at the complex.

The athletes and coaches called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately rescind the appointment in the overall interest of sports development in the state.

They insisted that the decision was ill-advised and capable of setting sports in Ondo State backwards.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, the General Captain of Ondo State athletes, Daniel Afun, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the appointment, stressing that it did not reflect the aspirations of athletes and stakeholders who are directly involved in grassroots and elite sports development.

The protesters further urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to call the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports to order, alleging that both officials were responsible for the appointment of Mrs Lebi.

Also addressing journalists, Chairman of the Sports Council Coaches Association, Mr joshua Ogunbiyi described Mrs Lebi as someone who made no meaningful contribution to sports development during her previous tenure at the council before she was redeployed to the Ministry of Sports.

Ondo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Segun Omoyofunmi, defended the appointment, describing Mrs Lebi as an expert whose experience is needed to reposition the Sports Council.

Despite the commissioner’s assurance, the protesters maintained their stance, vowing to continue their action until the appointment is reversed.