The Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN),
Sunday Adeleye, paid the big price on Friday for his alleged role in
the negligence and administrative lapses that brought international
embarrassment to Nigeria at the 2019 World Athletics Championship in
Doha. Adeleye was sacked from the board of the AFN on Friday.
Also affected was the AFN Secretary General, Elijah Adamu, who was
removed from his post. A new scribe will be announced soon by the
sports ministry.
A statement from the ministry’s media department stated that Adeleye’s
sack followed the report of the probe panel, which was set by the
Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, following Team Nigeria’s poor
performance in Doha. The panel submitted its reports to the minister
last month.
A letter addressed to AFN President, Shehu Gusau, directed him to
inform Adeleye of his sack.
The letter issued by the minister’s Special Assistant, Kola Daniel
reads: “Consequent on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, I
am further directed to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister
for the immediate removal from office of Mr. Sunday Adeleye as
Technical Director of the AFN on account of ascertained Gross
Misconduct.
“Accordingly, you are directed to convey to Mr. Sunday Adeleye in
writing this directive and evidence of compliance delivered to the
Honourable Minister.”
The Advisory Committee had in its report, according to the letter,
indicted Adeleye in varying degrees in the handling of the
Federation’s affairs in Doha.
Among other issues, Adeleye was accused of glaring administrative
lapses and violation of the rules and regulations of the IAAF, when he
registered the duo of Blessing Okagbare and Divine Oduduru for the
100m events without their consent.
A board member of the AFN told The Guardian yesterday that they would
meet soon to pick a new Technical Director.
Recalls that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related
Offences Commission (ICPC) summoned Adeleye a few days ago over his
alleged role in the expenditure and retirement of money at the end of
the 2017 Confederation of Africa Athletics Grand Prix/Warri Relay.
