Olalekan Soetan emerged victorious in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) South-West Zonal election held today at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Conference Hall in Ibadan. The Ogun State native and Oyo State Sports Council staff clinched the role of South-West Zonal Representative with three votes, edging out Babajide John Odedeji of Ogun State, who garnered two votes, and Chief Gbenga Abijo, who received one.
In his victory speech, Soetan commended the electoral committee for a fair and transparent process and vowed to collaborate with stakeholders to advance athletics in the region. “I promise not to disappoint the South-West zone. My administration will focus on grassroots development, athlete welfare, and competitive opportunities,” he stated, embracing the Yoruba phrase “Ise ya” (“It’s work time”) as his motto.
Soetan also revealed plans to rotate major competitions across South-West states, encouraging interested states to bid for hosting rights. The election, attended by sports administrators and athletes, concluded with a unified call to restore the region’s prominence in Nigerian athletics.