Athletics Betrayed: AFN’s Honorary Members, Auditor Illegally Installed!
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is facing a deepening crisis as revelations emerge of widespread constitutional violations perpetrated by its leadership, with growing concerns about the complicity of the National Sports Commission in allowing these infractions to go unchecked.
Since the controversial AFN board elections held in June, which were marred by procedural irregularities and breaches of the Federation’s governing laws, the conduct of President Tonobok Okowa has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders and observers.
In a move that has stunned the athletics community, Okowa has unilaterally appointed key officials—including the Auditor, the Safeguarding Officer, and the Legal Adviser—and illegally co-opted them as honorary board members, in direct violation of the AFN Constitution (2023 as amended).
According to Article 12 of the AFN Constitution, the power to co-opt honorary members resides solely with the Congress. The provision clearly states: ‘Honorary members may be co-opted by the Congress.’
Since the inauguration of the current board, no Congress has been convened, rendering these appointments not only unconstitutional but wholly illegal.
Further compounding the issue is the appointment of Mr. Kola Oredipe as Auditor. Article 13 of the AFN Constitution unequivocally mandates that ‘The Congress shall appoint an Auditor.’
Without such ratification, Mr. Oredipe’s position is null and void, and his inclusion as a board member is illegitimate.
These actions represent a flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the principles of good governance. They are impeachable offences that threaten the integrity of the Federation and undermine the trust of athletes, coaches, and stakeholders who depend on transparent and accountable leadership.
Equally troubling is the role of the National Sports Commission, which has been fingered as an accomplice in this unfolding debacle.
Despite its mandate to uphold transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity across Nigeria’s sporting bodies, the Commission has remained conspicuously silent. Its failure to intervene or call for corrective measures has emboldened the AFN leadership to continue its unconstitutional practices with impunity.
This silence is not just disappointing—it is damning. It calls into question the Commission’s commitment to building a credible governance structure for sports in Nigeria. While it publicly preaches reform and oversight, its inaction in the face of blatant violations within the AFN suggests a troubling double standard.
