NJF Crisis: Oshodi Board Rejects Caretaker Committee, Cites IJF Autonomy Rules
The leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) has deepened, with the board led by Dr Musa Oshodi rejecting reports of its dissolution and insisting it remains the federation’s legitimate governing body, while citing international judo rules that protect the autonomy of sports organisations.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, the board described reports that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had dissolved it and approved a caretaker committee as fake news.
The dispute has raised questions about the relationship between the NSC Establishment Act 2023 and the International Judo Federation (IJF) Statutes, particularly the provisions on government intervention and the autonomy of national federations.
Article 1.2.3 of the IJF Statutes, approved on June 11, 2025, commits the international body to maintaining relations with government authorities while respecting the principle of autonomy defined in the Olympic Charter. Article 3.2 also requires national judo federations to comply with IJF rules and decisions and the principles of the Olympic Charter.
These provisions put the question of sporting autonomy at the centre of the NJF dispute, although whether the reported caretaker arrangement breaches them depends on the circumstances and authority under which it was established.
The Oshodi-led board also cited Section 16 of the NSC Establishment Act 2023. Section 16(2) provides for the commission, subject to presidential approval, to take over and manage the affairs of a national sports association where it considers this necessary.
Section 16(4), however, states that the commission shall not interfere with the general administration of such associations, while allowing it to issue directions when considered necessary.
The board argued that the required presidential approval had neither been sought nor obtained, describing any purported dissolution as null and void.
The dispute has also produced conflicting accounts of the IJF’s role. The NSC has reportedly said its caretaker arrangement followed the dissolution of the NJF board by the international federation, but the Oshodi-led board insists that neither the IJF nor the commission dissolved it.
The board cited correspondence from the IJF dated September 18, 2026, which it said approved its draft amended constitution and directed it to convene a General Assembly to ratify the document ahead of fresh elections scheduled for November.
The NJF has fixed its General Assembly for October 12 to 14 in Ibadan, Oyo State, with the meeting expected to hold on Tuesday, October 13. The assembly is expected to consider the revised constitution, determine the composition of the electoral committee and set the date for the forthcoming elections.
The September 18 correspondence could prove crucial in resolving the dispute, particularly in establishing whether the IJF formally dissolved the board and, if so, the grounds and procedures for its decision.
The Oshodi-led board urged athletes, state associations and other stakeholders to remain calm while it continues to engage with the international governing body.
