Scandal in Ekiti State Referees Council: Male Referee Registered for Female Slot
In a shocking turn of events, the Ekiti State Football Referees Council is embroiled in controversy after allegations surfaced that the Acting Chairman, Onilearo Kayode, and Secretary, Adegoke Olusola, fraudulently registered a male referee for a slot meant for a female referee. This act of misconduct has ignited a call for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions.
According to available information, Adegoke Marvelous Ayokunle, who passed the NRA examination in 2023, was registered again in 2024, despite regulations stipulating that only female referees should register every year.
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This egregious breach was discovered during the recent NRA examination, where Ayokunle was dubiously listed as a female to deceive the examination committee.
Critical stakeholders in the refereeing community are demanding justice, highlighting that such actions tarnish the reputation of the association at both state and national levels.
The stakeholders, led by concerned members of the council, are determined to ensure accountability and restore integrity to the refereeing process.
The scandal unravelled when Ayokunle was falsely registered as a female to secure a spot in the 2024 exams, allegedly orchestrated by Kayode and Olusola.
This act not only violated the rules but also deprived a qualified candidate of their rightful opportunity.
Additionally, another male referee, Adebayo Segun, who had also passed the Grade 3 exam in 2023, was re-registered for 2024 without proper documentation, further illustrating the extent of malpractice.
Stakeholders have expressed disappointment with the leadership’s unethical conduct, calling on the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) under the leadership of Sanni Zubair to take decisive action.
The stakeholders commend the vigilance of the examination supervisor whose diligence brought these irregularities to light.
The implicated officials, Onilearo Ayodele Kayode and Adegoke Olusola Clement face serious allegations of impersonation and examination malpractice, offences punishable under the NRA’s rules.
The stakeholders urge the national body to enforce strict sanctions as outlined in Article 32, Section 2, and Section 3(c) of the NRA Statute, to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.
This scandal has brought embarrassment to the Ekiti Referees Council and the broader Nigerian football ecosystem.
The call for justice is clear: the NRA must act swiftly to address these violations and uphold the integrity of the refereeing profession.
In conclusion, the leadership must use the full extent of the law to address this misconduct and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable, thereby preserving the dignity and credibility of the refereeing community.
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