Revealed! Major reasons Fouad Oki was impeached as Lagos FA Chairman

 

Contrary to insinuations in some quarter that the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Lagos State Football Association acted arbitrarily in the impeachment of the former chairman of the association, Mr Fouad Oki, documents obtained by this newspaper have shown the real reasons the politician cum football administrator was sacked by the Congress on Saturday.

Early on Saturday, the Executive Committee of the LSFA met for an emergency meeting, and a resolution was passed by 10 out of 12 members of the Executive Committee to suspend Chairman Oki before the Congress.

Later on, that same Saturday, Oki was reportedly impeached and banned for life during an Extraordinary General Assembly of the LSFA where 12 out of 14 statutory members of the Assembly voted in favour of his impeachment.

However, a look at the Statutes of the LSFA shows that Found Oki might have grossly violated some of the statutes that prompted his sack. For record purposes, the below findings are the sins of the former chairman that escalated the leadership crisis in the Lagos FA and led to the impeachment of the chairman

ARTICLE 2 

(Neutrality & Non-Discrimination). The chairman, Mr. Fouad Oki has violated this section by discriminating against certain clubs affiliated to the FA. He prefers some clubs to others which is against this article. His action is punishable by suspension and expulsion.

ARTICLE 3 (Promoting Friendly Relations).

The Chairman Mr Fouad Oki does not promote friendly relations just as in Article 2, he does not promote friendly relations among members, clubs, officials, etc. For example, meeting the Director General Lagos State Sports Commission with only 5 board members without the knowledge of other board members.

ARTICLE 11 SUBSECTION E

To adopt a statutory clause specifying that any dispute requiring arbitration involving itself or one of its members and relating to the Statutes, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, CAF, WAFU, NFF OR LAFA shall be determined by the JUDICIAL BODIES within this Statute without recourse whatsoever to ordinary courts. The Chairman Mr. Fouad Oki has violated this Article by taking the Congress Members to Lagos High Court on the 8Th of March 2024 with suit No. LD/10997GCMW/2024.

 

ARTICLE 14 SUB SECTION 1-6  

(This highlights the suspension or Dismissal of a member, person or body). The Chairman Mr. Fouad Oki violated this article when he single-handedly suspended The BDFA Chairman. 

ARTICLE 20 STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SUB-SECTION H

It shall comply with and enforce compliance with the NFF Statutes, regulations, and decisions and cooperate with the NFF in all matters. The chairman Mr. Fouad Oki has violated this section by going against NPFL/LMC over the installation of a camera at Mobolaji Johnson Arena for the 2023/2024 Coverage of matches. In addition, refusing the LSFA slot of attending the NFF Congress without recourse to the Board or Congress Members.

Sub Section K- states that it shall maintain good relations and cooperation with the NFF, other members and clubs affiliated with the NFF. The Chairman Mr. Fouad Oki also violated this section by discriminating among affiliates of LSFA vis a vis NFF (Sporting Lagos etc).

ARTICLE 24 - BODIES OF LSFA

SUBSECTION 1 states that the Congress/General Assembly is the supreme and legislative body of Football in the State.

ARTICLE 25 SUB SECTION 4 states that the Congress may appoint observers who take part in the Congress without the right to vote.

ARTICLE 28 SUBSECTION 1-3 states that a Quorum of the State General Assembly states that decisions passed by the General Assembly shall only be valid if the absolute majority (50% + 1) of the members who are entitled to vote are present.

ARTICLE 29 - Decisions of General Assembly States that a simple majority of the members entitled to vote is sufficient for a vote to be valid. A decision that requires a vote shall be reached by a show of hands or using balloting.

ARTICLE 33- STATE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUBSECTION 1-5 has to do with the powers of Congress to convene if the State Executive Committee does not.

ARTICLE 34 SUBSECTION 1-6 AMENDMENTS OF THE STATUTES, The Chairman Mr. Fouad Oki did not adhere to this article. He singlehandedly wrote a Statute and forwarded it to NFF without recourse to Congress.

36 Lion Boss, Hajj Gaffar collaborates with Ebuoluwa Morenikeji to drum support Bola Tinubu Presidential ambition

36 Lion President, Hajj Liameed Olawale Gafar has declared his stewardship for Presidential candidate of All Progressive Party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming Nigerian Presidential Election.

The highly rated administrator did this alongside eight-year-old Joshua Ebunoluwa Morenikeji.

It was great to young Ebunoluwa and Hajj Gafar joining hands to show support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The youngster was accompanied to Lagos by his parents.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co22-rMNPrM/?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=

Mr Olawale Gafar has promised to use his reservoir, contacts and resources, to make sure that the Tinubu/Shetimma Presidential dream is actualized.

The ‘Honk your Horn’ let’s follow Jagaban promotional billboards erected on major roads in the heart of Lagos state, is the first of many projects that Mr Olawale Gafar is embarking on, as part of his political evangelism for the All Progressive Congress.

The chairman and financier of 36Lion football club of Lagos, sees sports, especially football as the ideal tool to mobilize Nigerian youths.

No wonder, towards the end of 2022, he was able to get over 7,000 Nigerian youths to take part in the inaugural edition of the Jagaban Cup, a competition that brought all diehard APC members with their PVCs to the Onikan stadium, where they pledged their commitment to the party goals and aspirations.

Gafar is the Sports Coordinator, National Youth Mobilization for the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

36 Lion product from Benin Republic, Olaitan joins French Ligue side

 

Benin Republic international Junior Olaitan Ishola has been snapped up by French Ligue 2 outfit Chamois Niort.

Junior Olaitan, who is considered one of the most exciting young players in Africa, will begin a three-and-half-year contract with his new club.

The attacking midfielder joined Ayema FC from 36 Lion on loan in 2021 and continued his football development.

During this period, he featured for Benin Republic U20 and the senior national team.

"I am very happy to join Chamois Niort a very good French club. The project meets my expectations. The Ligue 2 is good league to start my career in Europe," Olaitan told the Media.

"There is a very good team in Chamois Niort, a lot of talent. I know the club is famous for its training. For a young player like me, this is the best choice for progress.

"I have come to help the team achieve their goals. It is a great challenge to take up."

Olaitan could make his debut when Niort host 

USL Dunkerque on Tuesday in the French Ligue 2 season.

On the international scene, he boasts 5 caps for the Squirrels since his debut in 2021.

Junior Ajayi: 6 clubs express interest in 36 Lion product

 

Six clubs have expressed an interest in a January move for Nigeria international Junior Ajayi.

Teams in Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia and UAE have all expressed interest in a January switch for the 36 Lion product.

The player is reportedly keen to prove himself elsewhere, after recently ending his association with Al Ahly.

After five years, Ajayi's journey with Al Ahly ended.

 

The 25-year-old signed for the Red Devils in 2016 from Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, after having won the Olympic bronze medal with Nigeria.

Ajayi hit the ground running in his first season with the Reds, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 39 games across all competitions.

He kept his form for the majority of his stay in Cairo, making a total of 161 appearances and lifting 11 trophies along the way. These titles include four Egyptian Premier Leagues, two Egypt Cups, two Egyptian Super Cups, two CAF Champions Leagues and the CAF Super Cup.

However, after a series of injuries and the signings of Percy Tau and Luis Miquissone, Ajayi slowly fell down the pecking order under head coach Pitso Mosimane and even failed to make a single appearance for the Reds this season.

Before leaving Cairo, Ajayi sent a message to the Al Ahly management and fans, thanking them for their continuous support.

"It's with profound gratitude to God almighty, that I announce the end of my contract with Al Ahly football club, to the management who has been nothing but family to me, my teammates who’s been my brothers and to my fans, you all have been my support system, thank you for holding it down with me through those years, you guys are the real MVPs, I love you all #nowtothenextphase," he posted via Instagram.

Despite interests from Arab clubs, Junior Ajayi is keen to join a club in Europe.

36 Lion sends best wishes to Olayinka after making Super Eagles' AFCON train

 

36 Lion Football Club have patted forward Peter Olayinka on the back for making Nigeria's final 28-man squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Slavia Praha's Olayinka will be hoping to start at the tournament in Cameroon after being named as one of the forwards in the star studded team.

Olayinka has already scored four goals and provided two assists in all competitions for Slavia Praha this season. This has now earned him a place in Austin Eguavoen's squad.

The 36 Lion product is now set to participate in his first major senior international tournament for Nigeria.

"We congratulate Peter Olayinka for making the Super Eagles final AFCON 2021. The 36 Lion family is proud of you," the club's Chairman Gafar Liameed told the Media on Friday.

"He (Peter) is one of our products making waves abroad and we hope he shines in flying colours. Go and make us proud Son."

The 33rd Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Cameroon from 9th January – 6th February 2022.

Akinyoola, Egbeyemi, Taiwo light up Lions Affairs Football Carnival

 

Caracas striker Samson Akinyoola walked away with another major award at the Weekend, the latest prize to put on his mantle.

The Benin Republic international headlined a big day at Legacy Pitch, winning the Diaspora Lion of the year 2021 at Lions Affairs Football Carnival. 

The novelty match between the Diaspora Lions and the home base Lions of 36 Lion Football Club ended 5-5 to the delight of their teeming Lagos fans. 

Akinyoola who scored 20 goals in all competitions for Caracas in 2021, said he continues to be humbled by every accolade he's received.

“It feels good. It’s an honor just to be here,” Akinyoola said. “I’m just glad to come back to this great club that made me.”

“It’s great. It feels like I was being honored as an athlete,” he said. “That’s supposed to be the mission, so it felt great.”

Akinyoola emerged as top scorer of the 2021 Venezuelan Primera División with 18 goals from 34 games. He was named in the team of the season alongside three other Caracas' players.

U-16 starlets Abidemi Egbeyemi and Michael Taiwo went home with #20,000 each after winning the Lions Ball Juggler of the year and the Lions Accurate Kicker of the year awards respectively. 

“Super surprised,” Egbeyemi said. “I don’t think I’m the best player out of those other guys. But I can’t thank the management of 36 Lion enough. It’s an honor.”

“I’m just going to enjoy the moment and live in the moment,” he said.

“Just to see all that hard work I put into football, it’s paying off today,” Taiwo said. “But at the same time there’s a lot of talented guys here, so I’m just honored to be able to take a turn.”

Speaking after the event, 36 Lion Proprietor Gafar Liameed expressed joy that the friendly match was organized to foster unity, friendliness, and love among the players within and outside the country. He particularly commended the home-based players for their loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the club activities in the outgoing year saying that the year 2022 would be better and glamorous.

“The friendly match was organized as a way of showing love to our local and foreign players for their commitment and dedication to the club in the last few years. I am happy that the turnout was impressive and the players entertained their fans with football artistry.

“We recorded so many achievements in the area of player’s transfer and reaching the round of 16 at the just concluded Lagos FA Cup in the outgoing year. We are looking forward to achieving better in New Year and we are using this medium to announce that our two players would sign for foreign clubs in the coming year,” he said.

Prominent players that 36 Lion has produced over the years are Junior Ajayi, Imoh Ezekiel, Peter Olayinka, Sodiq Popo, Yira Sor and Muhammed Tijani.

36 Lion, Ayema FC share spoils in a tune up duel

 

36 Lion were held to a goalless draw by Benin Republic top-tier side Ayema FC in a friendly match played on Saturday.

The game which took place at the Seme Krake Stadium saw plenty goalmouth action with both teams settling for a draw.

It was the clash of Lions as five players of Ayema were developed by 36 Lion before moving back to Benin Republic to join the top tier side in the country of their origin. 

The two captains Azeez Oseni (Flying Eagles) and Ishola Olaitan (Benin senior team) were also familiar with one another which made the encounter an all attacking football match. 

Youthful mistakes were made by both teams but the goalkeepers were in brilliant forms. 

Each player covered minimum of 10 kilometers in the game. There was never a dull moment at Seme Krake Stadium today. 

It was a good game for 36 Lion who faced a side that finished in the Benin Republic Premier League last season.

36 Lions edge past Djeffa in Cotonou

A gallant 36 Lion boys earned a 1-0 win over Beninoise premiership side Djeffa FC  in their fourth outing of the 2021 Benin Republic Tour on Tuesday morning.

36 Lion Fc made a bright start to the game, putting their opponents under immense pressure in the first 30 minute of the match.

After 35 minutes, both sides adopted a cautious approach to end the first half, the two teams created several scoring opportunities but staunch defenders from either side refuse to bulge, and first half ended goalless.

The second stanza of the game commenced with similar tempo like the first stanza, but the Lions were more crafty and attacking minded.

Lions enjoyed free flow attacking runs as usual from the duo of Azeez Oseni and Moses Usor.

The Lions captain Azeez Oseni registered his goal at 62nd minute via spot kick (penalty), after two defenders  sandwiched him in the box. 

It was however a topsy-turvy game in the last fifteen minute for both teams, as the centre referee sound­ed the final whistle to end the game 1-0 at regulation time.

Speaking immediately after the victory, 36 Lion gaffer Akinrele Francis shower praise on his players. "Djeffa FC are a good side and for us to beat them, I told my players before the match to raise their game beyond 100% which they perfect well. 

We have a good team and I'm confident of my players that we can achieve better things in this training tour," he said.

Abidoye Babatunde Blackcoin

36 Lion Media officer 

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Dynamo halts 36 Lion's 14-year unbeaten run

A gallant 36 Lion team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Dynamo Football Club in their second outing of the Benin Republic Tour on Friday afternoon.

The Lions arrived Abomey around 11am, four hours drive from Cotonou on Thursday for the encounter.

They had a feel of the Stade Municipal de Bohicon before facing Dynamo.

It was a keenly contested battle that led to the end of 36 Lion's 14-year unbeaten run in Benin Republic.

The hosts bagged the opener in the first stanza of the game.

Moses Usor and Chika Odom came close to scoring for 36 Lion but they were unlucky.

Lion improved their performance in the second half by having more of the possession but failed to convert scoring chances.

"It was really painful to be defeated after playing so well against Dynamo. We can't question ourselves but look forward to our next game," Odom told the Media on Friday.

"The playing tour has really helped us and we hope to continue improving with each match.

The Lagos based side will rest on Saturday ahead of another warm up a day later.

36 Lion set to prey on Dynamo in Abomey

 

36 Lion have landed in Abomey ahead of their next game against Dynamo FC 

The team kick started their training tour of Benin Republic with a 1-1 draw against AS Cotonou on Wednesday morning.

The boys had a recovery session before jetting off to Abomey for their next assignment.

The team arrived Abomey at 11am from the city of Cotonou on Thursday.

Secretary General and Vice President of Dynamo FC gave the Lions a superb reception and treated them like Kings with Pounded Yam done naturally with Mortar and Pestle while they watched amusingly. 

The Lions had a feel of the Stade Municipal de Bohicon where their second match of the tour will be played on Friday. Kickoff is 4pm.

It would be recalled that 36 Lion have produced the likes of Junior Ajayi, Imoh Ezekiel, Sadiq Atanda, Yira Sor, Sodiq Popoola, Yusuf Lawal, Samson Akinyoola amongst others.

36 Lion to open training tour with fierce battle against AS Cotonou

36 Lion late Tuesday trained at the Stade René Pleven d'Akpakpa ahead of the their opening game against AS Cotonou.

The Lions who landed in Cotonou on Tuesday from their training camp in Lagos, were very confident during the shape up activities, ahead of the tie which is their first game of the Tour Of Benin Republic.

"We had a feel of the pitch and trained very well. The boys are ready to impress here in Cotonou," CEO of 36 Lion Liameed Gafar told the Media.

"Our first game of the tour is against AS Cotonou on Wednesday morning, we are looking forward to it," he added.

36 Lion will also face five other Benin Republic Premier League teams at the training tour.

The Lions will cover about 400 Kilometers inside Benin Republic, from Port Novo to Cotonou, from Bohicon to Ouidah and Abomey with determination to conquer and win it all.

36 Lion Set To Roar At Training Tour

36 Lion of Lagos are set for the tour of Benin Republic, where they would play series of friendlies against six Premier League sides.

The tour will last for two weeks and the team will travel to the Francophone country on Tuesday 14th September.

Liameed Gafar the proprietor of 36 Lion revealed plans for the two-week tour in a chat with the Media on Monday afternoon.

"Our players have been undergoing intensive training for sometime, having played against the likes of Kwara United, MFM FC and Joy Cometh in the past," the well respected man enthused.

"It is necessary to take them out to garner experience and exposure, especially outside the shores of the country. The aim of 36 Lion is to discover and nurture talents to international limelight."

"I have much confidence in our youngsters that they will not disappoint the club when we get to Benin Republic. They have been together for a long time and have done well. 

"We have been embarking on this tour in the last fifteen years. The team hasn't lost in Benin Republic and we hope to maintain the momentum," he added.

The Lions will cover about 400 Kilometers inside Benin Republic, from Port Novo to Cotonou, from Bohicon to Ouidah and Abomey with determination to conquer and win it all.