A protest disrupted activities at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Tuesday, following the appointment of Mrs. Evelyn Lebi as Acting General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council. The demonstration was organized by sports union leaders, coaches, and athletes who expressed concerns that the appointment would not benefit the state’s sports development.

Stakeholders Express Discontent
Coach Fisayo Bello, Coordinating Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), emphasized that sports in the state were in a “comatose” state. He stressed that the sector needed a competent and passionate leader to revive it, not someone who would set it back.

Vice Chairman of AUPCTRE and boxing coach, Osifo Moses, also voiced his displeasure, claiming the council needed a more qualified and dedicated individual for the role.

Joshua Ogunbiyi, Chairman of the Ondo State Professional Coaches Association, clarified that the protest was not aimed at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa but at Mrs. Lebi’s appointment. He further alleged that her previous time at the council had caused tension among staff and that stakeholders had repeatedly expressed doubts about her ability to lead.

“We need someone who can bring us forward, not backward,” Ogunbiyi remarked.

Government’s Response
In response to the protest, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, described the demonstration as “strange” and “unjustified.” He defended Lebi’s appointment, pointing out that she was highly qualified with over 15 years of experience, including her current role as Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Omoyofunmi explained that Lebi’s redeployment to the position was a routine process following the expiration of the former GM’s tenure. He dismissed the protest as being influenced by outside forces, assuring that the appointment would not disrupt sports activities but would rather help improve the sector.