24th February, 2025.
To: His Excellency,
Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa,
The Executive Governor,
Alagbaka, Ondo State
Nigeria
Attention: The Honourable Speaker,
Ondo State Assembly.
Ondo State Sports Council
Your Excellency,
RE: PETITION ON THE DEPLORABLE STATE OF AKURE TOWNSHIP STADIUM AND THE PLIGHT OF SUNSHINE STARS FC
We, the undersigned members of the United Global Resolve For Peace (UGRFP), as part of our state-wide governance watch, write with a deep sense of disappointment and frustration to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the shameful state of the Akure Township Stadium, which for over a year has been left in utter disrepair. This neglect has compelled our dear Sunshine Stars FC to host their so-called home matches in distant stadiums like the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. This situation is unacceptable and must be urgently addressed.
As proud indigenes and supporters of Sunshine Stars FC, we can no longer remain silent while our state-owned football club continues to suffer the consequences of this dereliction. We call your attention to the devastating effects this situation has had on the team, the fans, and the general sporting environment in Ondo State:
Loss of Home Advantage: Playing home matches on foreign soil strips the team of the psychological and strategic benefits that come with familiar territory and the support of their home crowd. This has undoubtedly affected team morale and performance.
Deprivation of Fans and Supporters: Loyal supporters who would have thronged the Akure Stadium to cheer their team are denied the opportunity to witness home games. This disconnect between the team and its supporters weakens the bond that drives success.
Financial Burden on Fans: Those determined to follow the team are forced to incur huge costs traveling to Ikenne and other venues to watch what should have been home fixtures. This is a burden that should not be imposed on passionate fans.
Security Concerns: Constantly moving the team, fans, and officials across state borders exposes them to security risks. The dangers on our highways are well known, and each journey heightens the potential for tragedy.
Increased Operational Costs: The club now spends exorbitantly on transport, lodging, and securing training facilities for supposed home matches. These resources could have been better utilized for player welfare and team development if games were hosted at our own stadium.
Negative Image for Ondo State: The inability of a state with such a rich football heritage to maintain a functional stadium is a stain on our collective pride and a poor reflection of our leadership’s commitment to sports development.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of a functional home ground to the progress of any professional football club. The current state of affairs is a disservice to Sunshine Stars FC, the good people of Ondo State, and the future of football in our land.
We, therefore, demand the following:
An immediate and comprehensive assessment of the Akure Township Stadium to ascertain the exact scope of repairs required.
A public commitment and timeline for the complete renovation and re-commissioning of the stadium.
Regular updates on the progress of the renovation work to assure the public that this matter is receiving the urgent attention it deserves.
An interim plan to facilitate the team and fans pending the completion of the stadium repairs to reduce the current burden.
We refuse to accept any further excuses. Sunshine Stars FC represents our collective pride, and we cannot stand by while its potential is stifled by negligence and abandonment. The time to act is now. Restore our stadium, restore our team, and restore our pride.
Yours in solidarity,
Comrade Olaseni Shalom,
National Coordinator,
UNITED GLOBAL RESOLVE FOR PEACE
(UGRFP)