First Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinkunmi has denied reports of declaration to vie for office of NFF president.

Bar. Akinwunmi who is also the Chairman, Lagos State Football Association is currently serving his second term as number two person under Amaju Pinnick led football federation.

The distinguished legal luminary told onwardews24.com that the news about his declaration which was culled from the South West Football stakeholders meeting held last week was a complete false and another style of detractors to cause disharmony among the football family in the zone.

Akinwunmi who heads the federation’s committee on youth development said the meeting held last week was not about his intention to vie for the office of the President and such was not discussed at the meeting.

“You may have read that I had declared an intention to run for the President of the NFF.

“While there is nothing wrong with me being interested in being President, I certainly have not declared any interest and no such discussion was had at our zonal meeting. I am not one to jump the gun in anything I do, so the issue of running for Presidency is not on the front burner.

“Some people are trying to distract and disunite us because they see that we are united. This old style of blackmail cannot work with us as we in the South-West Zone are focused on the various issues raised in our communique.”

Read the communique issued at the meeting of South West Zone of football associations held in Lagos State:

COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF THE CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES OF THE SOUTH WEST ZONE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS HELD AT NAPTIN HOTEL, LAGOS ON THE  6TH OF MAY 2022.

1.The South-West Zone Chairmen and Secretaries  were commended for the sterling work they have been doing in their various States and in the Zone to promote grassroots and youth football.

2. The Lagos State FA was commended for organising and hosting  the U-13 Western Nigeria Intensity Champions League billed to take place the next day 7th May 2022 at the newly developed Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle. While the 5 (five) other FA’s were appreciated for their effort and time spent to prepare for and bring the young footballers to the competition.

3. It was noted that the LMC/La Liga U-15 League was currently taking place in Ikenne, Ogun State with the Finals slated to take place on the 8th of May 2022. All members were encouraged to attend.

4. It was resolved that the South-West Zone must continue to maintain its leadership position in matters relating to youth football  development by the regular organisation and hosting of youth tournaments in the Zone.

5. It was noted that the hosting of these youth tournaments afforded members of the Zone the opportunity to discuss matters affecting development of football in the Zone and how to improve cordial relationship and cooperation within the Zone.

6. It was resolved that the South-West Zone will continue to work as one indivisible body with the rest of the Football Family from all zones in the best interest of Nigerian Football.

7. It was consequently resolved that henceforth in order to foster better communication and camaraderie,  any Chairman or Secretary of the South- West Zone present who attends any meeting on general Nigerian football development matters does so on behalf of the Zone and must immediately communicate resolutions to all members.

8. It was unanimously resolved that the South-West Zone must be fully committed to any move to lift the injunction/dismiss the suit in Bayelsa State Court that has prevented the convening of an Annual General Assembly since last December.

9. It was unanimously resolved that the South-West Zone must be fully committed to any move towards having the NFF Executive Committee elections held as and when due within the ambit of the law.

10. It was resolved that the South-West Zone would host a football competition in the name of former General Secretary of the NFA (as the NFF was then known) and the erstwhile chairman of the Osun State FA Chairman, the late Mr. Taiwo Ogunjobi

11. Osun State FA  and Ekiti State FA Chairmen and Lagos State FA Secretary were given the task to present the modalities for the Competition and plans for sponsorship drive and funds raised will be used to complete the building of the Osun State FA (Ogunjobi House) building.

In Attendance:

i. Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman Lagos State FA),

ii. Alhaji Majekodunmi Ganiu (Chairman Ogun State FA),

iii. Otunba Dele Ajayi (Chairman Ondo State FA),

iv. HRM James Odeniran ( Chairman Oyo State FA),

v. Otunba Mustapha Rasaq Isola ( Chairman Osun State FA),

vi. Mr. Bayo Lanlege (Chairman Ekiti State FA),

vii. Otunba Tade Azeez (NRA President),

viii. Mr. Akeem Rabiu-Okikioposu (Secretary Lagos State FA),

ix. Mr. Pelumi Abiara (Secretary Ekiti State FA),

x. Mr. Idowu Victor (Secretary Ogun State FA),

xi. High Chief Adetoyinbo  Ibukun Ezekiel (Secretary, Ondo State FA)

xii. Mr. Akintunde Olaleye (Assistant Secretary Oyo State FA)

  Amaju Pinnick, Bar Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF