By Femi Atolagbe

The Ondo State Football Association (FA) has urged the state government to expedite the renovation of Akure Stadium to facilitate the quick return of Sunshine Stars to their home ground.

The association commended the state governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his commitment to rehabilitating the sports complex. This call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the FA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Akure.

During the AGM, the Congress approved the composition of the Electoral and Appeal Committees, both of which were immediately sworn in to commence their duties. It also approved electoral guidelines for the 2025 Council and State elections and confirmed that the State Elective Congress would be held on 7th March 2025.

The Electoral Committee is chaired by Barrister Olusola Oke, with Barrister Adekunle Ayodeji as Vice Chairman, Mr Bisi Ayodele as a member, and Oluwafemi Adeleye as Secretary. For the Appeal Committee, Mr Henry Babatunde, General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, was appointed Chairman, with Barrister Sola Daodu as Vice Chairman. Segun Giwa, Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Writers Association, was named a member, and Tomide Akintoye was appointed Secretary.

The Congress urged members to avoid external interference that could destabilise the association, referencing challenges faced during the previous election. It also encouraged candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns.

The financial report could not be approved as the committee responsible failed to present it within the stipulated timeframe.

Additionally, the Congress agreed that the Bet9ja Ondo State Football League would be an age-grade competition for U-17 players to promote grassroots football development.

A vote of confidence was passed on Ondo State FA Chairman, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, and the board members. The Congress expressed gratitude for the board’s service, noting that no lives were lost during its four-year tenure.

The Chairman acknowledged the Congress members’ support over the past four years and promised to continue working towards the association’s progress.