Ekiti State FA Crisis Deepens Over Alleged Corruption

The crisis rocking the Ekiti State Football Association (FA) has taken a new dimension after the association boss was accused of misappropriating funds in addition to him awarding contracts to his own personal company Topworld Limited.

According to some Ekiti State board members, Ayo Alabi is guilty of blackmail and intimidation, misappropriation and application of funds as well as flagrant abuse of office.

In his reaction to Saharareporters Sports on the above allegations, the Ekiti State FA boss denied any crisis talks. In his words, he said: “I am not aware of any crisis in Ekiti FA. It is normal for members to have complaints. And it is also normal for it to be resolved. Therefore, I am not aware of any crisis, except you are telling me there is one now.”

On the crisis, former Ekiti FA chairmen Ayodele Isaac and Taiwo Odebunmi had different opinions. Isaac said: ” I am not aware of any crisis presently. However, I won’t say, there has not been crisis. I believe it has been resolved. Yes, several FA chairmen intervened and I think we have been able to nip it in the bud. Mind you, it is normal to have crisis and I think I had my fair share of it. As well as Odebunmi and other past chairmen .”

On the other hand, Odebunmi revealed that there is a crisis brewing in the association. He said:“The crisis in Ekiti FA came up because other board members felt neglected and unhappy that the chairman was not carrying them along in decision making.”

“They also accused him of not holding meetings, don’t forget that Ekiti State is dry in terms of football activities. I remember that at the height of this crisis, several stakeholders in Ekiti football including ex-chairmen and some influential football people from other states were invited to wade into the crisis. And a prominent son of the state, Oba Ajakaye, the Oluyin of Iyin, Ekiti, was asked to mediate and bring peace. Therefore, we pray for a lasting peace in Ekiti football.” he added.