As the leadership crisis rocking the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) continues to fester, board member and former D’Tigers captain, Olumide Oyedeji has openly called for an end to the turmoil.
The long-running dispute within the NBBF escalated further last week after a group of congress members formally petitioned the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), seeking approval for fresh elections and accusing the current board of illegally remaining in office beyond its constitutional tenure.
Oyededi has however, urged stakeholders to put Nigeria first and resolve the impasse through an elective Congress conducted strictly in line with the federation’s constitution.
Mounting Pressure on NBBF Leadership
The petition to FIBA has intensified scrutiny on the federation’s leadership, with growing calls from within Nigerian basketball for transparency, constitutional compliance, and a clear roadmap out of the crisis.
Oyedeji, a respected figure in Nigerian basketball and a former national team captain, admitted that the situation has dragged on for too long and now requires sacrifice and sincerity from all parties involved.
Oyedeji: “What Everybody Wants to See Is the Election”
Speaking on the matter, Oyedeji made it clear that the demand across the basketball community is not complicated but adherence to the rules and the will of Congress.
“What everybody wants to see is the election. What everybody wants to see is not just the election per se.”
“We just want to see, just obey the constitution, follow the constitution.”
He acknowledged that differing interpretations of the NBBF constitution have contributed significantly to the ongoing deadlock.
Oyedeji lamented what he described as selective readings of the rules, warning that personal interests must not override the collective good of Nigerian basketball.
“So, of course, there are different misinterpretations. Unfortunately, everybody wants to interpret what suits them, but we really, really need to be truthful, honest.”
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‘Think First About the Country, Not Myself’
In a direct appeal to fellow board members and stakeholders, Oyedeji explained the need for selflessness and national interest as the guiding principles in resolving the crisis.
“Whatever we need to do, think first about the country, not about myself.”
With FIBA now drawn into the dispute and pressure mounting from Congress members, the future of the NBBF leadership hangs in the balance.
An elective Congress, as widely demanded, could provide a pathway to restoring legitimacy, stability, and focus ahead of crucial international competitions.
