Oyo Basketball Association Vice Chairman Damola Awosika questions government intervention in the NBBF delegate selection ahead of the October 16 election.
Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Basketball Association, Barrister Damola Awosika, has expressed strong displeasure over the reported intervention of the Oyo State Government in the selection of the state’s representative for the upcoming Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) election.
Awosika commenting on the breaking news that the administrators of the Oyo State Sports Council
had been directed to withdraw a letter previously submitted and issue a new one bearing a different name as the state’s representative for the election.
Awosika described it as “very frustrating, insensitive and annoying,” particularly given what he said was the government’s lack of attention to basketball in the state in the past.
“Especially as they have never paid any attention to basketball previously,” he added.
Questioning the timing of the intervention, Awosika asked: “Why their interference now?”
The development comes as preparations continue for the NBBF election, with state associations expected to participate through designated representatives.
Awosika’s reaction has now brought renewed attention to the process through which Oyo State’s representative for the election is being determined, particularly following the reported instruction to replace the previously submitted delegate.
The Oyo State Government and relevant Sports Council authorities have yet to publicly state their position on the reported directive or explain the reason or who instructed the proposed change though speculations are prevalent.
Stakeholders familiar with the matter say the original nominee was a product of internal deliberations within the Oyo State Basketball Association and reflected the consensus of board members who have been active in developing the game at the grassroots despite years of limited government support.
They warn that allowing political appointees to override association decisions could discourage private investment and volunteer efforts, while also exposing Nigeria to sanctions as FIBA frowns heavily on third-party interference in basketball administration.
Read – NBBF Election: Oyo State Government intervenes in delegate selection, raises statute concerns
As the October 16 election draws closer, basketball enthusiasts in Oyo State are calling on the NBBF Electoral Committee and the National Sports Commission to intervene and ensure that due process is followed, so that the state’s vote reflects the will of the basketball family and not the interest of any individual or political group.