ROLAND Abu is no longer the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association following the ratification of his suspension from office by the board over allegations of high-handedness, corruption and other issues raised against him.
Abu, who assumed office in June 2021, was initially suspended on April 17 after a vote of no confidence was passed on him by members of the board, and his deputy Dr Moses Aghedo was immediately promoted to step in as acting Chairman.
The decision for the ratification of Abu’s suspension was taken today during the EFA Congress held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The Edo FA Congress consequently approved Dr Aghedo to head the association in an acting capacity.
Kindness Ohiowele, a member of the Edo FA, said Abu had consistently breached the statutes in running the affairs of the association.
He also accused Abu of taking certain critical decisions alone against the wish of the board, adding that the deposed chairman was invited to be given a fair hearing on the allegations against him but never responded and refused to attend the congress where the final decision for his suspension was taken.
Ratifying Abu’s suspension, Prince Daniel Iruero, vice-chairman of Edo Referees Council, moved the motion for the removal of the former chairman which was seconded by Jimmy Aimuagbonrie of the Women’s Amateur League. The motion received voice votes of other members in attendance.
In his acceptance speech, the new acting chairman Aghedo, while thanking the EFA members for their maturity in handling the issues in the association so far, assured them of responsible leadership.
“All members of Edo FA are important and we will work together to take Edo football to greater heights in order to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Edo State government,” he said.
