Ogun State dissolves sports associations

Ogun State dissolves sports associations

...As Africa's scrabble boss Adegbesan bows out after transforming state scrabble

The Ogun State Sports Council has dissolved the executives of all sports associations in the state, bringing an end to the administration of several associations, including the highly successful Ogun State Scrabble Association led by Adekoyejo Adegbesan.

The dissolution, which takes effect from July 31, 2026, was announced in a circular signed by the Acting Director of Sports, Oluseyi Sonde.

The directive stated that all existing sports associations in the state stand dissolved, with the exception of the Basketball and Football Associations, whose executives will remain in office pending the conclusion of their respective national federation elections.

The Sports Council commended the outgoing executives for their commitment, sacrifices and contributions to the growth of sports in Ogun State, noting that their achievements would remain an enduring part of the state's sporting history.

Among the associations leaving office on a remarkable note is the Ogun State Scrabble Association, which enjoyed unprecedented success under the leadership of Adegbesan, who also serves as President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA).

During his stewardship, Ogun State established itself as the undisputed powerhouse of Nigerian Scrabble.

The Gateway State won the scrabble event at the last National Sports Festival, captured the NSF Inter Club Championship title and also emerged champions of the Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Championship, completing a clean sweep of the country's major domestic titles.

The state's dominance also extends to individual rankings, with Nigeria's number one and number two ranked male players both representing Ogun State, while the country's highest-ranked female player Bukunmi Afolayan also hails from the Gateway State.

On the international stage, Ogun's influence has been equally significant. three key members of Team Nigeria that won the prestigious Best Country title at the World Scrabble Championship are from Ogun State, with the players enjoying strong support from Adegbesan, fondly known as "Sheik."

The highest ranked player from Africa Oluwatimilehin Doko at the World Championship plays for the Gateway State and Cyril Umebiye who won one of the side events at the World Championship also plays for Ogun State.

Reacting to the dissolution of the association executives, Adegbesan expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the remarkable achievements recorded during his tenure.

"I would like to inform all our players that the Sports Council has dissolved all the executives of the various State Associations except for Basketball and Football. So the executive led by me ceases to exist with effect from the 30th of July 2026," he said.

"I would like to thank everyone for your contribution to Scrabble in our State. It is through your effort that we won all the titles available to Scrabble in Nigeria. We remain the best state in the country, having won Scrabble at the Sports Festival, the Asaph Zadok National Scrabble Championship and the Inter Club Championship.”

"I would also like to thank the executive members who worked with me to ensure all of the successes we recorded during this period. I wish everyone all the best for the future."

Adegbesan's tenure will be remembered as one of the most successful eras in the history of Ogun State Scrabble, with sustained investment in player development and elite competition helping to elevate the state into the benchmark for excellence in Nigerian and African scrabble.