A former head of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Honourable Olamide George, has launched a scathing attack on the current AFN leadership, describing the four-year tenure of Tonobok Okowa as the worst in the federation’s history.
George, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ondo State Athletics Association, issued a detailed statement condemning Okowa’s presidency as a period marked by illegality, mismanagement, and a dramatic decline in Nigerian athletics.
George didn’t mince words, calling Okowa’s 2019 election “fraudulent and illegal.”
He highlighted discrepancies during the voting process, noting that over 40 votes were counted despite the AFN constitution permitting only 37 delegates—one per state and the Federal Capital Territory.
Despite the irregularities, George said he refrained from legal action to protect the federation’s image.
“To those who chose to stand behind Okowa in the leadership of the AFN, history has a way of recording the choices we make, silently storing them until the weight of time reveals their significance.
“Whether out of loyalty, self-interest, or misplaced intentions, the selfish decisions they endorsed four years ago has destroyed the bedrock of our athletics, our athletes, and our nation’s sporting legacy.
“Leadership is not just about power or alliances; it is about responsibility, fairness, and the undeniable duty to prioritise the greater good over personal agendas,’ George said in the statement.
The former lawmaker from Akure in Ondo state said he thought Okowa would built on the good job his administration started albeit his election was fraught with controversies and illegality.
“I know the elections that brought Okowa in was illegal. For example, well over 40 votes were reported to have been casted when the 2017 AFN Constitution stipulated that only the Chairman of a state (or Secretary if the Chairman is unavailable) can vote and are recognised as delegates.
“We have 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory which means only 37 votes should have been casted.
“This also invalidates the election but as a true lover of the sport, I decided not to go to court to challenge the election because it will expose our Federation as one with total disregard for its guiding document.
“I thought Okowa would make the athletes his and his board’s priority like we did in the less than three years we spent in running the federation.
“We made sure we not only provided enough competitions for them but also accommodated them and provided transport subsidy as well as prize money. In 2020, we were able to do two competitions before Covid-19, and the following shutdown disrupted events worldwide, including sporting activities.
“In 2021, we started very early with the all-comers meet in Akure, which I wholly sponsored before the Ondo state government helped to sponsor a second event.
“We also got the Ekiti state government to sponsor another competition for the athletes as well as the Edo state government to sponsor our ‘Test the Track’ event in preparations for the 21st National Sports Festival in April.
“Through these competitions, a large number of our athletes improved on their personal bests, and we were able to get two wholly home based sprinters to qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo.
“Enoch Adegoke and Grace Nzubechi Nwokocha made history as the first Nigerian sprinters to train at home and qualify for the Olympics,” explained George.
The former AFN chief has called on the National Sports Commission, the supervisory body for all sports federations in Nigeria, to ensure only credible, visionary people with visible track record and without any criminal records are allowed to move near the AFN and indeed all the Sports Federations.
He has thus urged Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission, to implement a robust and transparent vetting process for all those contesting for leadership positions within the AFN.
He said the process should include, but not limited to verification of credentials, assessment of track records, and criminal records.
“A thorough review of academic records and qualifications to ensure candidates possess the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively, a detailed look into their previous roles and professional achievements, highlighting their commitment to excellence and ethical conduct as well as a look into their private endeavours.
“The NSC should launch an investigation into any connection to doping offenses or drug-related activities, ensuring that no ex-convicts or individuals with questionable histories hold positions that demand trust and transparency.
“This is not just a procedural formality; it is a moral imperative for safeguarding the credibility of our athletics community. Those with compromised records should not be allowed to take charge of the hopes and dreams of our athletes, whose futures depend on fair and impartial leadership,’ he advised.
He says history has shown time and again that sports federations thrive under strong and ethical governance and that anything short of this risks discrediting not only the AFN but the entire Nigerian sporting ecosystem in the eyes of the world.
“We, as stakeholders, are counting on your diligence and fairness to ensure that only those of impeccable character, dedication, and competence are entrusted with such crucial leadership roles.”
