Oyo athletes protest at the Southwest Elimination Games held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex has raised concerns over the alleged poor welfare, treatment and neglect of athletes by the present administration in Oyo State.
The athletes, who represent Oyo State, reportedly locked the entrances to the sports complex, preventing visiting athletes, officials and contingents from gaining access to the facility.
The protesters said the action was a peaceful demonstration aimed at drawing the attention of the Oyo State Government to what they described as years of neglect and unfulfilled promises.
Oyo Athletes Protest Against Alleged Years of Neglect
The athletes accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to fulfil financial commitments allegedly made to athletes who represented the state at previous competitions.
According to the protesters, outstanding payments involve athletes who participated in the National Sports Festival, Para Games and other national and international competitions.
They also complained about inadequate welfare packages and poor remuneration despite the sacrifices they have made while representing Oyo State.
One of the athletes described the situation as increasingly frustrating.
“Concerning our welfare and our treatment in Oyo State, it has been very, very worse. They are not treating us right. They are treating us like trash, like use and dump.”
The athlete said competitors had sacrificed their future for the state but had not received benefits commensurate with their years of service.
An athlete who said she had represented Oyo State for more than 10 years lamented that her years of service had not translated into meaningful personal benefits.
She said her achievements while representing the state had failed to provide the level of financial and personal security she expected.
“I, as an example, I have been fighting for Oyo State for over 10 years, and I can’t say this is what I have used Oyo State achievements to do.”
She also claimed that one of the athletes was battling cancer, further raising concerns about the welfare and support available to sportsmen and women in the state.
The protesters also criticised the leadership of the state’s sports sector, particularly the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke.
One of the athletes alleged that the commissioner did not personally address their grievances after they locked the stadium gates.
According to the athlete, the decision to lock the gates was intended to peacefully draw government attention to their demands.
“This morning, we locked the gate as a form of peaceful protest and instead of the Commissioner, Wasilat Adegoke to address the issue, she called people to break the gate.”
The circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to reopen the facility could not be independently established.
The athletes also questioned the adequacy of their reported monthly remuneration, with one protester expressing concern over a ₦40,000 monthly wage.
“Our welfare package is also very poor. Imagine earning ₦40,000 as a monthly wage, what can that do?”
The complaint has renewed questions about the implementation of government policies concerning athletes’ remuneration and welfare.
Oyo Athletes Protest Revives 2023 Bonus Payment Dispute
The latest Oyo athletes protest is not the first time athletes from the state have complained about unpaid financial rewards and poor welfare.
In 2023, Oyo athletes reportedly protested over alleged delays in the payment of monetary rewards promised after their performances at competitions including the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the National Para Games and the African Cycling Championship.
There had also been previous complaints over rewards reportedly promised to athletes following the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.
The latest grievance comes after the Oyo State Government announced in 2025 that Governor Seyi Makinde had approved an ₦80,000 minimum wage for athletes, coaches and sports officers employed on contract appointments.
The announcement was made ahead of the 2025 National Sports Festival, where Oyo State was expected to field hundreds of athletes and sports officials.
However, complaints about discrepancies between announced remuneration and actual payments have continued to surface.
The state government has repeatedly highlighted its investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development, while officials have maintained that the administration remains committed to improving sports in Oyo State.
Oyo Athletes Protest Disrupts Southwest Elimination Games
The protest has once again brought athletes’ welfare to the forefront of discussions about sports administration in Oyo State.
By blocking access to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, the athletes disrupted the movement of visiting contingents at a time when Ibadan is hosting the Southwest elimination games.
Their demands reportedly include payment of outstanding bonuses, improved welfare packages, better remuneration and greater accountability in the administration of sports.
The development is likely to increase pressure on relevant authorities to engage the protesting athletes and address their concerns as the regional competition continues.
