Oyo State Government faces scrutiny over alleged interference in NBBF delegate selection, raising concerns about sports autonomy ahead of the federation election.
The build-up to the Nigerian Basketball Federation, NBBF, election scheduled for October 16, 2025, has taken a controversial turn in Oyo State following alleged interference by the state government in the selection of the state’s delegate.
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the Oyo State Basketball Association, in line with standard procedure, had earlier nominated and forwarded the name of its representative for the elective congress.
However, in a dramatic twist, the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Sports, reportedly ordered the immediate withdrawal of the letter that backed the initial nominee.
Sources within the basketball circle in the state disclosed that shortly after the withdrawal, a new letter was issued, this time nominating a different individual said to have been handpicked by the government to represent Oyo State at the election.
The sudden change has sparked unease among basketball stakeholders in the state and beyond, with many questioning the motive behind the government’s action.
More importantly, the development has raised serious concerns over government interference in the administration of sports associations, an act which contravenes the statutes of both the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the international basketball body, FIBA, which emphasize the autonomy and independence of sports federations and their state affiliates.
Sports administrators argue that state associations, though they work closely with government for funding and facilities, are independent bodies empowered by their own constitutions to elect and nominate their representatives to national congresses without external influence.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports or the Oyo State Sports Council explaining the reason for the last-minute switch.
It is also not clear whether the new nominee has the backing of the majority of basketball stakeholders in the state or if the move is connected to aligning Oyo State’s vote with a particular presidential candidate in the forthcoming NBBF election.
The NBBF secretariat is yet to officially react to the development, but sources say similar delegate disputes from other states are being closely monitored ahead of the congress.
With less than a month to the election, stakeholders fear that if not properly addressed, the Oyo situation could trigger a wider crisis of confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.
All eyes will now be on the NBBF Electoral Committee to determine whether it will accept the government-imposed delegate or insist on due process and association autonomy.