Athletes representing Oyo State at the ongoing zonal elimination for the National Intermediate Games, yesterday, protested at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, over alleged unpaid bonuses, poor welfare and what they described as years of neglect by the state government.

The protest occurred as athletes from various states in the South-West started converging on Ibadan for the competition.

The protesting Oyo athletes locked the entrances leading to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, preventing athletes and officials from visiting states from gaining access to the facility.

The athletes accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of failing to fulfil promises made to those that represented the state at previous competitions, including the National Sports Festival, Para Games and other national and international competitions.

They also complained of what they described as inadequate welfare packages and poor remuneration despite the sacrifices they have made representing the state.

One of the athletes said the treatment of athletes in Oyo State had become increasingly frustrating.

“Concerning our welfare and our treatment in Oyo State, it has been very, very worse. They are not treating us right. They are treating us like trash, like use and dump. They are using us and dumping us. We have sacrificed our future for Oyo State.”

The athlete, who said she had represented Oyo State for more than 10 years, lamented that her years of service had not translated into meaningful personal benefits.

“I, as an example, I have been fighting for Oyo State for over 10 years, and I can’t say this is what I have used Oyo State achievements to do. I have not really achieved anything for good. Oyo State has not been treating us well. In fact, one of us is battling cancer.”

Another athlete criticised the leadership of the state’s sports sector, particularly the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke.

According to the athlete, the protesters locked the stadium gates as a peaceful means of drawing the government’s attention to their plight.

“The governor appointed an ineffective being who knows nothing as the commissioner for sports. This morning, we locked the gate as a form of peaceful protest and instead of the Commissioner, Wasilat Adegoke to address the issue, she called people to break the gate. Is that how to behave?” the athlete queried.

The athletes also complained about their monthly remuneration, with one of them questioning the usefullness of a reported N40, 000 monthly wage.

“Our welfare package is also very poor. Imagine earning N40,000 as a monthly wage, what can that do?” another athlete asked.

The latest protest comes against the backdrop of previous complaints by Oyo athletes over unpaid financial rewards and welfare.

In 2023, athletes representing the state reportedly protested over alleged delays in the payment of monetary rewards promised after their performances at competitions including the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the National Para Games and the African Cycling Championship.

There have also been previous complaints over rewards promised to athletes after the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government announced in 2025 that Governor Makinde had approved an N80,000 minimum wage for athletes, coaches and sports officers employed on contract appointments.

The announcement was made ahead of the 2025 National Sports Festival, where Oyo State was expected to field hundreds of athletes and sports officials. (Guardian)