Stakeholders Unite As Ondo Inaugurates Club Owners Association, Executives, BOT

The chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Dele Ajayi, has described the establishment of the Club Owners Association in the state as novel and timely.

Ajayi, represented by a board member, Chief Ibukun Aladetoyinbo, stated this during the inauguration of the state executives, local government coordinators, Board of Trustees, patron, and the unveiling of the association’s logo.

He noted that the Club Owners Association remains an integral part of football development at the local, state, and national levels.

According to him, “Club Owners Association is a very important integral part of football. We recognise them at the local government, state, and national levels. Government cannot do it alone, so we need both private organisations and individuals to join hands with government to develop the round leather game.”

Ajayi appreciated stakeholders for establishing the association in Ondo State, assuring them of the FA’s full support and readiness to work with the group.

The Ondo State Chairman of the Club Owners Association, Banjo Adepoju, said the body was created to contribute meaningfully to football development in the state.

He added that the association has developed a four-year strategic plan for football growth.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that their appointments to coordinate local chapters were based purely on merit. I am convinced they will justify the confidence reposed in them and help accelerate grassroots football development in Ondo State,” he said.

Board of Trustees include; FIFA-licensed agent and proprietor of Moyero FC, Lanre Moyero, was inaugurated as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, with Otunba Dele Ologbese as Vice Chairman. Other members include Barrister Olusola Oke, Chief Albert Akintoye, Elvis Ogebe, Prince Odomode Adeyemi (Lacrown), FIFA-licensed agent Prince Yemi Olagbegi, Mrs. Kikelomo Adepona, Michael Karimu, and Banjo Adepoju (Secretary).

Otunba Dele Ajayi serves as Patron, alongside Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu and Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency, Divine Ogbonaya.

State Executives are ; Chairman: Adepoju Banjo (CEO, Benfad FC, Akure),Vice Chairman 1: Alhaji Oladosu Muyideen (President, Opeyemi FC, Odigbo),Vice Chairman 2: Oladipupo Temitayo (Chairman, Emalex FC, Owo),General Secretary: Omoogun Dotun Andrew (Ologbese Football Academy, Akoko Southwest), Assistant Secretary: Blessing Perez (President/Technical Director, Royal Goldwin, Ifedore), Financial Secretary: Akungbe Emmanuel (Apoi National FC, Ese-Odo), Treasurer: Jephthah Akinboboye (FC Unity, Ondo City), PRO: Musa Kehinde (President, Brave Eagles FC, Akure North), Welfare Officer: Gbenga Adeusi (Abex Abex FC, Akoko Northwest), Chief Whip: Mathew Okoh (President, Ebile FC, Akure South), Research/Organising Officer: Sedara Phillip (Embavic Football Academy, Okitipupa)

Speaking at the event, Dr. Olumuyiwa Adu urged the executives to establish a sustainable framework capable of attracting investors.

“I see this association going beyond the shores of Ondo State. I advise the executives to work hard to ensure it is well packaged and appealing to investors,” he said.

BOT Chairman, Lanre Moyero, described the establishment of the association as a historic development that will unify club owners across the state. He also pledged support in the area of player scouting.

The inauguration and logo unveiling were attended by almost all football club owners in the state, including representatives from Benfad FA, FJ Academy, Royal Godwin, Ijapo Ages Stars, Saint FC, Emalex FC Owo, Optimum Football Academy, Ologbese Football Academy, Weli Weli FC, Lacrown FC, Akure United, SOT FC, Idanre United, among others.