By Ado Salisu
Former D’Tigers captain Olumide Oyedeji has vowed to seek justice over the outcome of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) elective congress in Abuja, alleging irregularities and describing the process as a “selection” rather than a credible election.
Oyedeji, who contested for a South-West representative position and the presidency at the congress held at the ICC Centre in Abuja on Thursday, said his name was initially omitted from the list of candidates and was only added to the ballot after he protested during the proceedings.
Although he acknowledged his eventual defeat, the former Nigerian international questioned the fairness and transparency of the process, insisting that all candidates should be given equal opportunities to contest.
“I am not saying there was no election, but there was a selection,” Oyedeji said in an interview.
“Everything I said before the election played out. You can go back and review my statements before the election. Everything I predicted happened.”
He said his name was excluded from the list of South-West candidates, while those of other aspirants, including Mustapha and Ugo, were included.
He also alleged that some presidential aspirants and candidates from other zones, including the North-Central, experienced similar omissions.
According to Oyedeji, he had to challenge the omission at the last minute before his name was eventually added to the ballot.
“Yes, I eventually lost, but I believe the outcome had already been predetermined,” he added.
The President of the Nigerian Olympians Association and Chairman of the Nigerian Athletes Commission warned that allowing such alleged irregularities to go unchallenged could have wider implications for sports administration in Nigeria.
He said the issue went beyond his personal ambition, warning that other athletes and former internationals could face similar challenges if adequate safeguards were not put in place.
“If this could happen to me, it could happen to many other Nigerian athletes, former internationals and people who do not have a strong voice,” he said.
Oyedeji maintained that his primary concern was not necessarily winning the election but ensuring that the process complied with established procedures.
“All I wanted was justice. If I lose, I lose. I do not have to win. But the process must be fair, transparent and properly conducted. The right procedures must be followed, and the outcome must be declared with integrity,” he stated.
He vowed to pursue the matter beyond his public criticism of the congress, insisting that the alleged irregularities raised serious questions about integrity in the administration of Nigerian basketball.
“However, this will certainly not end here. I am determined to seek justice, and I will continue to pursue it. This is not integrity,” Oyedeji declared.
Beyond the election controversy, the former basketball star defended the importance of experience and professional competence in sports administration, arguing that former athletes could contribute significantly to sports development when equipped with the necessary management skills.
Oyedeji cited his experience in national and international sports administration, including his roles as President of the Nigerian Olympians Association, Chairman of the Nigerian Athletes Commission and former Vice-President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee.
He also highlighted his involvement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the FIBA Players’ Commission.
He argued that combining on-field sporting experience with administrative knowledge and professional exposure could improve decision-making and strengthen sports governance.
“Being a former sportsperson does not automatically make you a good administrator. You must have the necessary knowledge and skills,” he said.
Oyedeji maintained that his record in sports administration demonstrated his capacity to contribute to the development of Nigerian sports, adding that the responsibilities he had undertaken and the projects he had handled were progressive.
His comments add to the debate surrounding the conduct of the NBBF elections, with the former international insisting that fairness, transparency and due process must remain central to the leadership and administration of Nigerian basketball.
