"We Remain Committed to Transparent Leadership" - IMC Chairman Okumagba Breaks Silence On Supporters Club Crisis, Vows Legal Action Over Defamatory Claims

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Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Group, Dr. Vincent Okumagba, has responded to growing discontent and allegations from a section of members within the unified supporters’ body, describing the attacks as “pure jealousy” and a deliberate attempt to derail progress.

In an exclusive interview from Canada, Dr. Okumagba addressed the controversies surrounding the leadership and registration of the unified supporters’ body, which was sanctioned by both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

“It’s nothing more than pure jealousy,” Okumagba stated. “I have consulted my lawyers to handle some libelous publications we have identified. How could someone claim to be financially engaging with corporate bodies when the club isn’t even registered as a legal entity? It’s laughable.”

Responding to speculations that he plans to impose himself as chairman of the new unified body, Okumagba dismissed the claims and clarified his position.

“I am not interested, to be honest. I’ve been in the corridors of supporters’ politics for so long. Some of us criticized Dr. Rafiu Oladipo for staying too long in office, so it would be wrong for me to repeat the same. I believe I’ve outgrown this phase. That’s why I accepted the IMC role, which is transitional,” he said.

Dr. Okumagba reaffirmed the IMC’s mandate, noting that it is only to oversee the affairs of the body temporarily before elections are conducted.

“The IMC is for one tenure. We will conduct a transparent election and hand over to an elected executive. That’s our goal.”

On the issue of the corporate registration of the new unified supporters’ body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Okumagba explained that the process is ongoing and in line with the Memorandum of Understanding agreed upon by all six affiliate groups.

“It’s untrue that I’m forcing myself into the Board of Trustees (BOT). According to the MOU, each group is to have a representative on the board. I represent my club just like others do. Their fear is that I could emerge as BOT chairman, but even that is subject to the support of other members. I didn’t make myself IMC chairman—it was by consensus.”

He further criticized certain individuals for resisting change, citing internal sabotage, lack of unity and selfish interest as major threats to the supporters’ movement.

“Some disgruntled elements don’t want the IMC to succeed because they know the unified group would become the only supporters body recognize by the NFF and NSC.”

When asked if registration with the CAC would automatically nullify other groups, Okumagba was clear:

“No, it doesn’t. But only the unified body will be recognized by the NFF and NSC and these two bodies will have no official dealings with them.”

On fears that the IMC could exploit its position to influence the upcoming elections, Okumagba reassured stakeholders of a level playing field.

“Yes, we are to organize the elections, and there is fear we may have an undue advantage. But as agreed, no IMC member can contests now but can run in the subsequent election cycle. That’s the fairness we’ve built into the process.”

Concluding, Dr. Okumagba reaffirmed his commitment to transparent leadership while warning detractors against spreading misinformation.

“I am satisfied with rising to the pinnacle of supporters’ politics as IMC chairman. Despite the opposition and blackmail, I’ve reached this point. I’m also the Vice President of the African Football Supporters Association and Nigeria’s FIFA Fan Leader — I was at the Qatar World Cup on an all-expenses-paid trip by FIFA.

“Those spreading falsehoods should stop. If they don’t, I won’t hesitate to seek redress in court,” he warned.