YOSBA Slams Shooting Stars Over Petition Against Journalist, Halts Club Coverage
The Yoruba Sports Broadcasters Association (YOSBA) has condemned what it described as an attempt by the management of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to stifle press freedom, following a petition filed against one of its members, Obadare Oladosu, popularly known as Obasports of Fresh FM, Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, YOSBA accused the Ibadan-based football club of trying to “undermine freedom of information as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The association said the petition lodged by 3SC management was based on “unfounded and meritless allegations.”
The dispute reportedly stems from a report by Oladosu on a brawl that occurred in Kano during Match Day 8 of the Nigerian Premier Football League. According to YOSBA, 3SC cited a 9-minute, 35-second audio clip from the broadcast as evidence in its petition, but the association maintained that the journalist and his team neither supported the attack on 3SC players nor denied that it took place.
“As a professional football club with a rich history, we expect Shooting Stars to base their actions on facts rather than unsubstantiated claims,” the statement read.
In response to what it called “intimidation against its members,” YOSBA announced an immediate suspension of all media coverage of Shooting Stars’ activities.
“YOSBA will not tolerate unfounded allegations and intimidation under any guise. Effective immediately, our members will cease coverage of 3SC events,” the association declared.
The body also called on the public to support its stance in defense of press freedom and accountability in Nigerian sports.