By Kanu Samuel
The Board of the Ondo State Football Association (FA) has lifted the suspension of the Chairperson of the state’s Football Coaches Association, Tayo Onilude, along with other executives.
The board, however, directed the reinstated chairperson to submit a letter of apology to the FA for failing to comply with its directive to hand over leadership to a caretaker committee.
It also commended the interim committee for restoring peace and stability within the coaches’ association and for its role in resolving the crisis that had affected the body.
The board further directed that elections into the Football Coaches Association be conducted in September 2026 under the supervision of an FA committee comprising Hon. Dimeji Abimbola, Chief Mohammed Abiodun and Chief Adetoyinbo Ibukun.
These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued by Mr Daodu Alex, Mr Akindipe Akinsola and Mr Adeleye Oluwafemi at the end of the association’s board meeting held at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure.
The Ondo State FA also reaffirmed its commitment to football development in the state, pledging support for its chairman, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, while setting ambitious targets for Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC ahead of the new season.
The board commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continued support for football development in the state, particularly through his backing of the State Football Agency, the parent body of Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC.
Members unanimously pledged their allegiance to the FA chairman and stressed the need for unity within the football family, agreeing to work together to advance the development of the game across the state.
As part of efforts to strengthen collaboration, the board met with the leadership of the State Football Agency, led by its chairman, Divine Ogbonnaya.
Discussions focused on preparations for the forthcoming league season, settlement of outstanding debts, recruitment of qualified players and technical personnel, and strategies aimed at securing promotion for Sunshine Stars FC and Sunshine Queens FC to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), respectively.
The board also reviewed the recent appointments of some of its members and Congress representatives to the agency’s Technical and Tactical Committees and agreed that appropriate steps would be taken after considering submissions made by the agency chairman.
On administrative matters, the board emphasised the need for the State Football Agency to accord the FA due recognition and ensure it is carried along in all football-related activities within the state.
The meeting also considered concerns over the similarity in acronyms used by the Ondo State Football Association and the Ondo State Football Agency.
To address the issue, a four-member committee comprising representatives of both bodies will be constituted to find a lasting solution.
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