EYIS warns politicians not to kill sports in Ekiti
A concerned group of sportsmen and women and enthusiasts under the auspices of Ekiti Youths In Sports ( EYIS) has warned against moves by disgruntled politicians and individuals that might scuttle the efforts of the Ekiti state football association, and particularly, the state government to empower the youths in the state to achieve their dreams through sports.
It would be recalled that EYIS, led by Bayo Olanlege worked assiduously to help raise more than 10,000 votes in the last the gubernatorial election in Ekiti state that ensured the return of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi to the exalted seat.
A statement by the group, stated that it would not take lightly any unsavoury act by any group or individuals to undermine the efforts and programmes of the state FA aimed at taking football in the state to desired levels.
It described recent happenings in the state, particularly, as it concerns moves to thwart the progress and newly discovered fervour for football in the state by some individuals have been described as inimical and unprogressive.
The group pointedly accused a certain Olu Ikusemori, former board member and political loyalist of erstwhile governor of the state, Engr. Segun Oni, of actions to kill sports, particularly, football in the state in the bid to rubbish the accolades coming to the government of the state led by governor John Kayode Fayemi.
” Truth is that election has come and gone, but the shenanigans are ongoing with several admixture of bitter and sweet happenings in the political circles. Expectedly, the losers in the political battles have refused to shealt their swords.
“Yet, there are still many disgruntled elements who are keen on seeing that JKF’s administration is ridiculed. Olu Ikusemori, who hails from Ode in Gbonyin local government of the state was once a board member of the state FA who lost his seat alongside others in the 2015 election.
The statement continued;” The achievement of the State FA since the return of Governor Fayemi who is fondly called JKF by admirers has brought lots of accolades to the administration and this has not gone down well with Olu Ikusemori and his co- travellers.
” At their last meeting held at a local joint in Ikere, Ikusemori and his band of dissidents had agreed to kill two birds with a stone. Their plan is to bring football activities in the state to disrepute and then go on to use that to paint the JKF administration in bad image claiming the Gov can’t handle internal affairs.
EYIS also accused him of going to court to challenge the legitimacy of the FA board that defeated him and his cronies. As it further stated that it would do all it can to protect and ensure the progress of sports and football in the state.
