The Ogun State Government has expressed disappointment over Monday’s protest by its athletes at the 22nd National Sports Festival, describing the action as “an act of impatience,” despite plans already being concluded to settle their allowances.
The demonstration, which began around 5:30 a.m., saw athletes dressed in Ogun State tracksuits block the gates of the Games Village at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, leaving other participants and officials stranded for several hours. The protest only ended at 12:43 p.m., after the athletes reportedly received a portion of their unpaid entitlements.
Videos circulating online captured buses stuck at the entrance of the Games Village while officials appealed for calm.
The protest disrupted the festival’s schedule, forcing most events slated for Monday—except the marathon—to *lstart behind schedule.
In a statement reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Government said it was unfortunate that the athletes chose to embark on the protest at a time when arrangements were already in motion to disburse their allowances.
