Activities at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure were disrupted 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 demonstration was reportedly led by coaches, athletes, and union officials who argued that Lebi’s appointment would not address the ongoing challenges facing sports development in the state.
Coach Fisayo Bello, Coordinating Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), spoke on behalf of the protesters. He emphasized that Ondo State urgently needed a leader with vision, technical expertise, and passion for sports to rejuvenate the sector.
“We need someone who is truly passionate about sports and can move us forward, not backwards. Lebi contested four years ago and we rejected it, just as we are rejecting it now. We want a better candidate—someone with the technical competence to return us to our glorious days, not push us further back,” Bello stated.
Boxing coach and AUPCTRE Vice Chairman, Osifo Moses, also condemned the decision, arguing that the Sports Council deserved leadership that could inspire trust and improve morale among athletes and staff.
In a similar vein, Joshua Ogunbiyi, Chairman of the Ondo State Professional Coaches Association, clarified that the protest was not directed at Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whom he commended for supporting sports development, but specifically concerned the choice of Lebi. Ogunbiyi noted that Lebi’s previous tenure at the council was marked by internal disputes, and stakeholders had repeatedly raised concerns over her competence.
“At this point, sports development is stagnant. We need someone energetic, vibrant, and competent to drive progress. Lebi has applied for this position more than three times, and each time we have made it clear she is not suitable. We are not opposing the governor’s right to appoint anyone, but Lebi is not that person,” he added.
Athletes’ concerns were voiced by Idowu Afun, General Captain of Ondo State Athletes, who urged the government to appoint a credible and dynamic leader who would prioritize welfare, development, and competitive success.
Responding to the unrest, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, described the protest as unusual and unnecessary. He defended Lebi’s appointment, highlighting her over 15 years of service within the Sports Council and her current role as Director of Sports.
Omoyofunmi explained that Lebi’s redeployment followed the expiration of the former general manager’s tenure and was formally assigned by the Head of Service. He suggested that external influences may have played a role in the protest and insisted that her appointment would strengthen, rather than hinder, sports development across the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to improving sports infrastructure, programs, and overall athlete support throughout Ondo State.
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