A Controversy Unfolds in Ekiti Referees Council Over Gender Fraud

A major scandal has rocked the Ekiti State Football Referees Council following accusations that Acting Chairman Onilearo Kayode and Secretary Adegoke Olusola fraudulently registered a male referee for a female only slot. This alleged misconduct has triggered demands for an in-depth investigation and appropriate penalties.

Reports reveal that Adegoke Marvelous Ayokunle, a referee who passed the NRA examination in 2023, was unlawfully registered again in 2024 despite a rule stating only female referees should register for that year. During the recent NRA examination, Ayokunle’s name was wrongly submitted as a female, sparking widespread concern among stakeholders in the refereeing community.

This deception, allegedly coordinated by Kayode and Olusola, not only flouted the rules but also deprived a qualified female candidate of her rightful place. To make matters worse, another male referee, Adebayo Segun, who passed the Grade 3 exam in 2023, was also re registered for 2024 without proper documentation, highlighting further irregularities.

Outraged by this unethical conduct, stakeholders are urging the Nigeria Referees Association NRA, led by Sanni Zubair, to take strict disciplinary measures. They praised the diligence of the exam supervisor, whose keen observation exposed the fraudulent activities.

The implicated officials now face charges of impersonation and examination malpractice, serious offences under the NRA’s statutes. Stakeholders are calling for the enforcement of Article 32, Section 2, and Section 3 c of the NRA regulations to ensure justice is served and to prevent future occurrences of such misconduct.

The situation has cast a shadow over the Ekiti Referees Council, causing embarrassment both at the state and national levels. The NRA is under pressure to act swiftly and decisively to maintain the integrity of the refereeing profession in Nigeria.

Editorial

The recent scandal involving the fraudulent registration of a male referee for a female slot in the Ekiti State Football Referees Council serves as a grim reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in sports governance. As stakeholders in Nigerian football, we must demand higher standards from those entrusted with leadership roles. Misconduct, like the one perpetrated by the Acting Chairman and Secretary of the Council, undermines not only the credibility of the refereeing process but also the trust placed in such organisations.

The deliberate act of registering a male referee in place of a female undermines the essence of equal opportunities and fairness in the sport. The leadership’s actions were not only unethical but also shortsighted, as they risk tarnishing the reputation of the entire council. The role of referees is crucial in ensuring fair play on the field, and, ironically, those responsible for upholding integrity in football have themselves breached these principles.

We believe that swift and firm action must be taken by the Nigeria Referees Association. Such scandals should never be allowed to fester. The enforcement of strict disciplinary measures will send a strong message to others who might be tempted to manipulate the system for personal gain. It is not just about penalising those involved but about preserving the integrity of the game. Football has the power to unite communities, but this can only happen if those overseeing the game are themselves above reproach.

The Ekiti Referees Council now faces the daunting task of restoring its tarnished image. Reforms should be introduced to ensure that transparent processes are in place for the selection and registration of referees. We also believe that external oversight might be necessary to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

As lovers of the game, we must collectively call for a culture of accountability. The game deserves better, and we must not allow a few bad actors to diminish the hard work of those who genuinely strive to promote football in Nigeria.

The time to act is now. The credibility of Nigerian football is at stake, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the integrity of the sport is upheld.

Did You Know?

1. The Nigeria Referees Association NRA was founded in 1946 and is responsible for the development and management of referees in the country.
2. Nigeria has produced internationally renowned referees, including Peter Edibe, who officiated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup as an assistant referee.
3. Female referees in Nigeria have been making strides, with officials like Mimisen Iyorhe representing the country at continental and international tournaments.
4. The National Referees Examination is held annually to certify referees at various levels, including Grade 1 national, Grade 2 state, and Grade 3 local.
5. Referees are often re evaluated every few years to ensure they maintain the physical fitness and knowledge required to officiate high level matches.