Ondo FA in fresh financial crisis

A member of the Ondo State Football Association, Dr. Babatunde Akinbinu has petitioned the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)  over the handling of the finances of the state football association.

In a petition addressed to the President of the NFF, Ibrahim, Gusau, Dr Akinbinu asked that the chairman of Ondo State FA, Sunday Dele-Ajayi be compelled to present yearly financial statement and balance sheet covering the tenure of the current administration which is expected to wind up in March.

It was alleged that no financial statement had been presented in the past four years by the state FA board.

“On several occasions, when the matter was raised during AOB at meetings, the Chairman deferred the discussion. In fact, on the rare occasion when it was included in the Executive Board meeting agenda, it was again set aside”, the petition stated.

It was alleged that a lack of engagement within the board has hindered the development of football in Ondo State.  

It was averred that the “lack of an annual financial statement or external audit raises significant concerns about potential misuse of funds.

“…This could ultimately undermine trust and investment in Nigerian football, as well as erode the integrity of our football administration.

“The symbolic reference to this at this time is the State Government white paper in Benue State where three former leaders of the Benue State Premier League team, Lobi Stars of Makurdi have been implicated in massive corruption and told to return over 2 billion naira.”

Ahead of the next state FA election slated for March, the petitioner wants the NFF to step in to ensure that the Ondo State FA adheres to the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency.