Gbenro Adesina
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Wednesday September 1, 2021, thrashed Tabor NK Tabor Sezena of Slovania with 4-0 in an international match to commission the remodeled Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasigba, Ibadan.
The remodeling of the stadium, executed by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State cost the State government N5.3billion.
It was however a lacklustre match as the players were forced to play in a water-soaked pitch due to rainfall just before the commencement of the match.
It was obvious that the Slovanian team was taking it easy so as not to slip on the soggy pitch.
The ceremony of the remodeled stadium was not without drama as Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and some other monarchs were barred from entering into the stadium.
The monarchs had to leave the stadium after about 30 minutes when their pleas to enter fell into the deaf ears of the security operatives.
Olubadan was issued access card written on it “VVIP Unveilling of the Remodelled Lekan Salami Sport Complex Adamasigba, Ibadan”, with no. 01092021.
Speaking to the newsmen after the ugly incident, the Assistant Director of Media and Communications to Olubadan, Yanju Adegboyega said the prevention of the foremost monarchs by the security men was a desecration of traditional institution and in particular, the highest respect to Yoruba monarchs.
Adegboyega noted that despite the fact that the monarchs showed the Very Important Personality (VIP) Invitation Cards, the security officials insisted that they could only be granted entrance with only one aide each out of several aides that accompanied them.
The media aide said, “We were prevented from entry at the stadium. The DSS and bouncers did not allow us to enter. They said they can only allow the monarchs to enter if they can only go in with just one aide. Olubadan has no option than to leave, Aseyin also followed us”.
