By Olukayode Olumuyiwa 29.9.2025
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s handball community, the Southwest Zonal Representative election for the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) was abruptly cancelled last Saturday amid widespread protests by stakeholders and dedicated advocates of the sport.
The decision came after vocal outcries over a series of alleged electoral irregularities. The election has now been rescheduled for October 4, 2025 with organisers prioritising transparency and integrity.
The election, intended to select a representative for the Southwest zone—a critical role in steering the future of handball in the region—was derailed by accusations of procedural breaches and biased interference.
Protesters, including members of the Nigeria Handball Pioneers and Southwest Handball Veterans, rallied outside the venue, demanding a thorough scrutiny of the candidates: Adeyemi George Osawe, a revered Nigeria Handball Legend known for his aspirations to elevate the sport nationally and globally, and his rival, Gbenga Adewusi (Arole), whose eligibility has been fiercely contested.
*Key Allegations Rock the Process*
At the heart of the controversy were several glaring issues that protesters claimed violated HFN guidelines and the principles of fair play they include:
1. Duplicate and Unauthorized Delegates: Ondo State’s delegation presented two voters from the Ondo State Sports Council, a move decried as a blatant duplication that could skew the vote count. In Osun State, a political appointee—the Personal Assistant (PA) to the Deputy Governo was allegedly dispatched to cast the state’s vote, bypassing recognized members of the Osun State Handball Association. Similarly, in Oyo State, candidate Adewusi reportedly pulled every string to secure a delegate letter, enabling what critics called an undue “Oyo vote.”
2. Compromised Neutrality of Officials: Mr. Gbenga Omoyeni, a staff member of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Chairman of the Ekiti State Handball Association, served on the Zonal Election Screening Committee. Yet, he was accused of openly aligning with Arole, including leveraging his dual roles to influence proceedings. Protesters labeled him and others as “enemies of the progressive candidate,” arguing that such conflicts eroded the election’s credibility. Adding to the tension, the outgoing HFN President, Samuel Ocheho, was reportedly present with voting rights and seen desperately pushing for Arole’s “Lagos vote,” while Ekiti’s SA on Sports was implicated in similar maneuvers.
*Eligibility and Integrity Concerns*
The Nigeria Handball Pioneers and Southwest Handball Veterans highlighted Guideline No. 5, questioning Arole’s eligibility status to contest. They portrayed Osawe as the ideal leader, whose vision centers on fostering handball’s growth across the Southwest, Nigeria, and beyond, in stark contrast to Arole’s alleged lack of pedigree and CV to challenge established seniority in the handball family. Mr. Gboyega Makinde, a former handballer, was named among the accomplices in these irregularities.
The unrest peaked with a shocking incident involving ex-international goalkeeper Honourable Samuel Johnson, who was allegedly assaulted by Arole, resulting in a damaged phone. Johnson was subsequently invited for police questioning, underscoring what protesters described as a “win-at-all-costs” mentality. Arole was accused of boasting about using any means necessary to prevail, further fueling demands for accountability.
*A Call for Scrutiny and Renewal*
In a unified statement, the Nigeria Handball Pioneers and Southwest Handball Veterans urged a “thorough scrutinization” of the Osawe-Arole matchup, emphasizing that the sport’s future hinges on upholding ethical standards. “Handball is not just a game; it’s a legacy built by pioneers and veterans who deserve a process free from manipulation,” one veteran remarked during the protests.
HFN officials, responding to the mounting pressure, swiftly halted the proceedings to avoid further escalation. The rescheduled election in Abuja is expected to incorporate stricter oversight, including independent verification of delegates and reinforced neutrality protocols for the screening committee.
As the handball community awaits October 4, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing sports governance in Nigeria. Yet, it also highlights the passion and vigilance of its stakeholders, who refuse to let irregularities dim the sport’s promising trajectory. For Osawe and his supporters, the cancellation represents not a setback, but a vital step toward ensuring a victory for progress and fair play.
Updates on the rescheduled election will be provided as they emerge.