Ado Salisu
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, is facing fresh allegations of incompetence, abuse of office, and conflict of interest following claims by a sports advocacy group that he continues to run a private business while holding public office.
The allegations were made by Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Athletes and Other Sports Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation that promotes accountability and transparency in Nigerian sports.
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According to Gombe, Olopade has failed to resign from his role as Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Marketing Company, despite his appointment as NSC Director General.
He alleged that the company continues to secure contracts in the sports sector, including the marketing rights for the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Enugu State, creating a clear conflict of interest.
Gombe also accused Olopade of being under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming he has consistently declined to honour invitations from the anti-graft agency.
He added that while Olopade has filed a defamation lawsuit against him in Lagos, he remains ready to defend himself in court.
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The advocacy group further alleged that Nilayo Sports Marketing Company owes both local and international athletes prize money from marathon events held in Nigeria, in some cases dating back over three years.
“Athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria are owed cash prizes. Nilayo claimed it is waiting for doping test results before making payments, but no credible reason can justify withholding athletes’ earnings for years,” Gombe said.
He argued that the controversy has damaged Nigeria’s image internationally, with foreign athletes reportedly referring to the country as “fraudulent” for failing to honour obligations.
Gombe also called for greater accountability within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), questioning the management of royalties from World Athletics and demanding explanations from federation officials including President Tonobok Okowa, Gabriel Okon, and Tafida Gadzama.
Gombe urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Olopade from office, describing him as unfit to lead Nigerian sports administration.
“The greatest service Mr President can do for Nigerian sports is to remove Bukola Olopade. He lacks capacity, is under investigation, and continues to bring embarrassment to our country,” he said.
The group confirmed it will pursue legal action against both Nilayo Sports Marketing Company and its sponsors to recover monies owed to athletes and to ensure transparency in the management of sporting events.