Ighalo’s Transfer Benefit Diversion: Failure to unravel Sports Commissioner, others’ involvement, your exercise is futile – Osun SWAN tells lawmakers

The Osun State Chapter of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged Osun State House of Assembly particularly the House Committee on Youth and Sports to thoroughly investigate the alleged diversion of 10,000 Euro of what Osun United and indeed the State should benefit from the transfer loan of Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua, China to Manchester United, England.

SWAN, in a statement by the Chairman, Tope Alabi and the Secretary, Timothy Agbor lauded Osun lawmakers for taking inviting concerned parties and individuals for investigation and questioning towards unveiling those behind the alleged protracted diversion of the funds meant for the uplift of the state’s own team into private pockets.

SWAN regret to put it on record that the exercise of the honourable members would be in futility if they fail to unravel the alleged involvement of the commissioner for youth and sports Mr. Yemi Lawal and other officers of the ministry including one Mr. Layi Adesiyan, Mr Ololade and Mr Agunlejika in the diversion saga.

SWAN noted the said fund statutorily belongs to the state government that owns and finances the team and therefore, any attempt by individuals or group to divert the fund from the purse of government is seen as fraud which should be investigated and the culprits be brought to book accordingly.

SWAN is not unmindful of the plot of alleged culprits to want to sweep the matter under carpet and cover their unchecked corrupt practices along with their accomplices, we therefore restate our commitment to truth, justice and transparency in tacking the teething challenges bedeviling the growth of sports sports in our dear State.

“We call on the House Committee on Sports to conduct thorough investigation into the allegation, made their findings as soon as possible and also ensure that the subsequent funds are paid into account of the state government as appropriate and block leakages,”