Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the protest as “unfortunate and uncalled for.”
The Ogun State Government has criticized protesting athletes at the 22nd National Sports Festival, calling their actions “a clear case of impatience.”
Athletes representing the host state blocked gates at Babcock University’s games village early Monday, demanding unpaid allowances.
The protest, which began at 5:30 a.m., caused delays in Wednesday’s events, except the marathon. The gates were reopened at 12:43 p.m. after partial payments were made.
Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the protest as “unfortunate and uncalled for.”
“Governor Dapo Abiodun remains deeply sensitive and committed to the welfare of all participants,” Akinmade said. “Those who protested did so in error.”
Athletes confirmed receiving N50,000 and N140,000 more as festival allowances, but insisted the total agreed amount was N210,000 — N15,000 daily for 14 days.
The festival ends Thursday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta. Ogun currently sits third on the medals table with 53 gold, 44 silver, and 52 bronze medals.