Activities at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, were disrupted on Tuesday as sports stakeholders protested the appointment of Mrs. Evelyn Lebi as Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council.
The protesters, including sports union leaders, coaches, and athletes, argued that Lebi’s appointment would not advance sports development in the state.
The Coordinating Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Coach Fisayo Bello, described sports in Ondo State as being in a “comatose” state and said the council required a competent technocrat to revive it. “We need someone with 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,” he said.
Vice Chairman of AUPCTRE in the state and boxing coach, Osifo Moses, echoed Bello’s sentiments, noting that sports in Ondo State needed a reputable and committed leader. Joshua Ogunbiyi, Chairman of the Ondo State Professional Coaches Association, clarified that the protest was not directed at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whom he described as passionate about sports, but against the choice of Lebi. Ogunbiyi claimed that Lebi’s previous tenure at the council involved actions that caused tension among staff, and that stakeholders had repeatedly questioned her competence.
Idowu Afun, General Captain of Ondo State Athletes, also called for the appointment of a competent and vibrant leader to head the council.
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In response, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, described the protest as “strange” and unjustified. He defended Lebi, noting that she is qualified, professional, and has over 15 years of experience at the Sports Council, currently serving as Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Omoyofunmi added that Lebi’s redeployment followed the expiration of the former general manager’s tenure and was approved by the Head of Service. He dismissed claims that the appointment would hinder sporting activities, stating that it was intended to reposition the sector, and suggested that the protesters were acting under unknown influences.