The controversy rocking the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ondo State Chapter, took a new twist on Sunday as a faction conducted a purported election in Akure without the knowledge or involvement of the state government.
Checks revealed that the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry, was not aware of the exercise. The Commissioner, currently in Asaba for the ongoing National Youth Games, is not expected back in Akure until Tuesday.
Further investigations at the reported venue, SITA, showed that no officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development were present during the exercise, raising doubts over its credibility.
Efforts to reach the Ministry’s Press Officer for clarification were unsuccessful, as calls placed to his phone went unanswered as of press time.
The development has heightened tension among stakeholders, particularly after the state executives of NYCN, led by its Chairman, Pathfinder Matthew A. Ogunmolawa, publicly disowned the process in an earlier disclaimer.
Observers say the unfolding drama may deepen the leadership crisis within the youth body unless urgent steps are taken to restore order and legitimacy.
