The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been urged to address the deteriorating condition of the Akure Township Stadium.
A non-governmental organisation, the United Global Resolve for Peace, in a letter dated February 24, 2025 called for urgent intervention to restore the facility and tackle the challenges faced by Sunshine Stars FC and their supporters.
A copy of the letter obtained by our reporter and addressed to the Governor, the Ondo State House of Assembly, and the Ondo State Sports Council, the organisation expressed disappointment over the prolonged neglect of the stadium.
The letter, signed by UGRFP’s National Coordinator, Olaseni Shalom, lamented that the stadium’s poor condition had forced Sunshine Stars FC to play their home matches outside the state, particularly at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the group observed that playing home matches in another state deprived the team of the morale-boosting support of their home fans.
The letter reads in part: “We, the undersigned members of the United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP), as part of our state-wide governance watch, write to bring to Your Excellency’s attention the shameful state of the Akure Township Stadium, which has remained in utter disrepair for over a year.
“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.
“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.
