By Olaolu Fawole
The Oyo state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has condemned in strong terms the assault on a new member of the Oyo SWAN family, Raymond Tolulope of Pensioners FM by two officials of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.
The Association made this known in a statement issued by the state Chairman, Olaolu Fawole.
Tolulope was slapped by one Awolu, who was said to be the Camp Commandant of the Club during the abandoned semi-final match between 3SC and VIA Academy at the ongoing Olubadan Cup Competition.
The statement notes that the ugly incident which occurred yesterday at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, was a stain on the noble profession of Journalism, that could be permanent if not checked.
According to the Chairman of Oyo SWAN, Olaolu Fawole, Raymond Tolulope narrated that while he was still questioning the Club’s Camp Commandant for the unruly behavior, one of the Team Curators simply called Alhaji, walked up to him and threatened to deal with him wherever he comes across him in Ibadan.
“Ibadan is big, you are new in Ibadan, nobody knows you and we can meet anywhere”
The statement frowns that the gross misconduct by these two officials who need to undergo temperament management was unconnected to the fact that Tolulope was recording the show of shame attitude of both the technical crew and players of 3SC over the decision of the Center Referee to issue a red card to one of its players.
The referee might have erred in his decision, but we expected 3SC to take a more mature step concerning it and not transferring the aggression on the young Sports Journalist.
While Oyo SWAN will pursue the matter to a logical conclusion, we now use this medium to send a stern warning to both the 3SC’s Camp Commandant and Team Curator that no harm should come to Raymond Tolulope of Pensioners FM.
The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports as well as the Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde have both be briefed concerning the affront, for necessary actions, however, the public should know that Tolulope is now living in fear as a result of the threats.
We remain learned colleagues in our own field, easy-going, and always believe that the spirit of sportsmanship should always be the watchword of every sports man and woman.
