The Lagos FA has taken decisive action against the leadership of the Badagry Divisional Football Association (BDFA), suspending Chairman Dr. Osondu Martins Ibegbu and his entire board over allegations of fraud, gross misconduct, and abuse of office.
The decision was reached on Monday, August 11, 2025, after a marathon meeting at the LSFA headquarters on Ogunlana Drive, Surulere. The session, chaired by LSFA President Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, involved the association’s board members, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, and select football stakeholders.
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According to the LSFA, the move followed a thorough review of documentary evidence and witness accounts that reportedly implicated Dr. Osondu Martins in multiple offences, including fraudulent practices, extortion, impersonation, sexual harassment, and misuse of office. The board also found the rest of the BDFA leadership complicit in failing to address the chairman’s alleged misconduct.
Fair Hearing and Statutory Backing
In a statement signed by LSFA Secretary Mrs. Vera Hycient-Okechukwu, the association stressed that Dr. Osondu Martins and his board were given adequate notice to appear before the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for a fact-finding session on August 11. However, two BDFA board members failed to attend.
Citing Article 14 of the LSFA Statutes, which permits the suspension or dismissal of any member or body that violates FIFA, CAF, WAFU, NFF, or LSFA regulations, the state football governing body invoked its powers to impose immediate suspensions.
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Suspension Terms and Interim Measures
Effective immediately, the BDFA chairman and board members are barred from all football-related activities in Lagos State and prohibited from entering the BDFA Secretariat unless authorised by the LSFA-appointed football administrator.
The LSFA has appointed Osahon Emokpae as interim administrator to oversee BDFA affairs, supported by Abel Sohe and Taiwo Kool. The suspended officials are also required to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.
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The association has indicated that the matter will be referred to the LSFA Congress for ratification after the investigations are concluded. The case highlights the LSFA’s stated commitment to maintaining transparency, discipline, and accountability within Lagos football administration.
For many stakeholders, this decisive action signals a warning that the era of unchecked misconduct in grassroots football governance may be coming to an end.
