Scandal at Ekiti State Referees Council: Male referee registered for women’s position

In a shocking turn of events, the Ekiti State Council of Football Referees is embroiled in controversy after allegations emerged that the acting chairman, Onilearo Kayode, and secretary, Adegoke Olusola, fraudulently registered a male referee for a position intended for a female referee. This act of misconduct has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions.

According to available information, Adegoke Marvelous Ayokunle, who passed the NRA exam in 2023, was registered again in 2024, despite regulations stipulating that only female referees must register each year.

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This blatant violation was discovered during the recent NRA examination, in which Ayokunle was dubiously listed as a woman to mislead the examination committee.

Critical stakeholders in the arbitration community demand justice, highlighting that such actions tarnish the association’s reputation at both the state and national levels.

Stakeholders, led by concerned council members, are determined to ensure accountability and restore integrity to the arbitration process.

The scandal was sparked when Ayokunle was falsely registered as a woman to secure a place in the 2024 exams, allegedly orchestrated by Kayode and Olusola.

This act not only violated the rules but also deprived a qualified candidate of the opportunity he was entitled to.

Furthermore, another referee, Adebayo Segun, who had also passed the third degree examination in 2023, was re-registered for 2024 without proper documentation, further illustrating the extent of the negligence.

Stakeholders have expressed disappointment over the unethical conduct of the officials and have called on the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), under the leadership of Sanni Zubair, to take decisive action.

Stakeholders praise the vigilance of the exam supervisor, whose diligence brought these irregularities to light.

The officials involved, Onilearo Ayodele Kayode and Adegoke Olusola Clement, face serious charges of impersonation and examination malpractice, offenses punishable under NRA regulations.

Stakeholders urge the national body to apply strict sanctions as outlined in Article 32, Section 2 and Section 3 (c) of the NRA Charter, to serve as a deterrent against future misconduct.

This scandal has brought shame to the Ekiti Referees Council and the Nigerian football ecosystem at large.

The call for justice is clear: the NRA must act quickly to address these violations and uphold the integrity of the officiating profession.

In conclusion, leaders must use the full scope of the law to address this misconduct and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, thereby preserving the dignity and credibility of the referee community.

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