Key stakeholders in the Ogun State Handball Association have leveled strong allegations against the outgoing President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Mr. Sam Ocheho, accusing him of betrayal and sabotage after the inconclusive Southwest Zonal Representative election.
The election, which was marred by protests and ultimately postponed to Abuja, has stirred tension within the handball community in the region.
Speaking to journalists, former international handball player and ex-chairman of the Ogun State Handball Association, Barrister Oluranti Oluwole, expressed deep disappointment in Mr. Ocheho’s conduct. He described the president’s actions as “appalling” and “a betrayal of long-standing mutual agreements.”
According to Oluwole, when Mr. Ocheho first sought election as the Southwest Zonal Representative, he (Oluwole) stepped down twice in support of Ocheo’s candidacy, based on a mutual understanding that Ogun State would be supported in future bids for the same position.
“After my tenure, when Coach Bello took over, we supported Ocheo again. We had a clear agreement — that when Ogun, a state that has never held the zonal representative position, fields a candidate, he would back us. Unfortunately, he did not,” Oluwole said.
Instead of backing Ogun’s candidate, Mr. Adeyemi George Osawe an ex international and the first Nigerian to play handball professionally in Europe — who stakeholders insist is both competent and eligible — Mr. Ocheho reportedly supported and attempted to impose one Mr. Olugbenga Ayinde Adewusi Arole, a candidate whom they claim is ineligible, incompetent and knows little about the sport.
This alleged breach of trust sparked outrage among stakeholders.
“What’s most appalling,” Oluwole added, “is that Mr. Ocheho even attempted to cast a vote. Where is it done? It’s funny how someone you have a mutual agreement with can turn around and try to sabotage your efforts.”
Barrister Oluwole, a respected figure in Nigerian handball, represented the country at the Under-12 World Handball Championships in Italy in 1986 and 1987, and also featured at senior level during the NUGA Games.
Stakeholders say they are demanding a fair and transparent process moving forward, urging the national sports commission to uphold the principles of equity, screen the candidates and if both are eligible, level the playing ground for a free and fair election.
As the HFN elections continue to unfold, all eyes are now on Abuja, where the rescheduled zonal representative vote is expected to take place under tighter scrutiny.
