Protesters demand end to alleged victimisation, respect for Olatutu Oladunni’s electoral mandate and adherence to SWAN constitution

Women and supporters of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter, on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly over alleged victimisation and gender discrimination against the chapter’s chairman, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni.

The protesters called on SWAN National President, Benjamin Isaiah, and National Secretary, Ikenna Okwonkwo, to end what they described as discriminatory treatment of Oladunni and her executive committee, respect their electoral mandate and refrain from actions capable of undermining the elected state leadership.

The demonstration, held on October 22, 2026, was aimed at drawing the attention of Lagos lawmakers and the public to the lingering leadership dispute within the association, which the protesters said raised concerns about gender equality, internal democracy and compliance with SWAN’s governing constitution.

Oladunni, described by the protesters as the first elected female chairman of the Lagos State chapter, was at the centre of their demand for equal treatment and respect for the mandate of the state executive.

The demonstrators alleged persistent attempts to undermine her leadership, insisting that her election should represent progress in inclusion and equal participation in sports journalism rather than become a basis for discrimination or marginalisation.

They accused the national leadership of actions they considered capable of interfering unjustifiably in the affairs of the Lagos chapter and called for an end to any conduct amounting to intimidation or victimisation.

Protesters list seven demands

The protesters outlined seven specific demands, urging the SWAN national leadership to take immediate steps to resolve the dispute and restore confidence in the association’s internal governance.

First, they demanded an end to all conduct alleged to constitute gender discrimination, victimisation or unfair treatment of Oladunni and the female-led Lagos State executive committee.

Second, they called on Isaiah and Okwonkwo to exercise their respective offices strictly within the powers conferred by the SWAN constitution and applicable statutes, warning against the alleged abuse of authority.

Third, they demanded respect for the electoral mandate and legitimate interests of the elected Lagos State executive, subject to the association’s governing rules.

Fourth, they insisted that all disciplinary actions, suspensions, leadership disputes and related proceedings must comply with established constitutional procedures and the principles of fair hearing.

Fifth, they called for an end to what they described as unjustified interference in the internal administration and legitimate affairs of the Lagos chapter.

Sixth, the protesters urged the national leadership to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality by ensuring that women in SWAN enjoy the same opportunities, respect and protection against discrimination as their male counterparts.

Finally, they demanded constructive engagement among the relevant stakeholders to achieve a peaceful resolution of the dispute in the interest of unity, institutional stability and the development of sports journalism in Nigeria.

Assembly urged to intervene within its mandate

By taking their grievances to the Lagos State House of Assembly, the protesters sought to draw the attention of lawmakers to what they described as the broader implications of the dispute for gender inclusion, accountability and democratic leadership in professional associations.

They urged the Assembly to take cognisance of their concerns and, within its lawful mandate, encourage dialogue and respect for the principles of fairness, equality and accountable leadership.

The demonstrators maintained that their action was peaceful and intended to promote institutional accountability and protect the rights and interests of SWAN members.

They also argued that internal disagreements should be resolved through established constitutional mechanisms rather than actions that could lead to the arbitrary suspension, removal or marginalisation of elected officials.

The protesters warned that the alleged discriminatory treatment of women in leadership could discourage female participation in elective positions and undermine efforts to promote inclusion in sports journalism.

They insisted that the dispute should not be reduced to a clash of personalities or a struggle for control, but addressed through constitutional governance, due process and equal treatment.

The protesters called on the national leadership to embrace dialogue, respect the association’s governing rules and work towards a resolution that would safeguard the autonomy of the Lagos chapter and preserve unity within SWAN.

They maintained that respect for the constitution, the electoral mandate of the Lagos executive and the principle of equal treatment remained central to resolving the dispute.