Dominic Iorfa, former executive vice chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club, vehemently denies accusations of financial mismanagement leveled against him by the Benue State government. Contrary to the findings of a forensic audit report alleging his involvement in the misappropriation of nearly N1.8 billion, Iorfa insists he is owed over N400 million by the state government, possessing documented evidence to support his claim. He asserts that his financial dealings during his tenure were transparent, particularly under former Governor Samuel Ortom, where funding for match expenses and salaries was directly accessible through the Accountant General. Iorfa argues that the accusations are a deliberate attempt to smear his reputation and deflect attention from the current administration’s mismanagement of the club, which ultimately led to its relegation.
Iorfa contends that the financial challenges began with the arrival of Governor Hyacinth Alia, who implemented a new and cumbersome financial process. This process, which required unlocking accounts for the release of funds, often resulted in delays of up to a month for salaries and match expenses. This, according to Iorfa, forced him to borrow money to cover the club’s operational costs, leaving him with substantial personal debts. He highlights the stark contrast between the number of matches played (57, including 10 FA Cup fixtures) and the number of matches for which he received funding (14). This disparity, he argues, reinforces his claim of financial prudence and underscores the impossible task of running a club with such limited resources. He questions how he could be accused of embezzlement while personally shouldering the financial burden of keeping the club afloat.
The forensic audit, covering the period from 2020 to 2024, implicated three former vice chairmen, including Iorfa, holding them collectively responsible for approximately N2.4 billion in unaccounted funds. Iorfa dismisses these findings as a malicious attempt to tarnish his image, maintaining that meticulous records exist detailing how every naira was spent on the team’s needs. He further emphasizes that a significant portion of the match expenses remains unpaid by the state government, further solidifying his stance against the embezzlement charges. He posits that the audit’s conclusions are baseless and are designed to shift blame away from the current administration’s shortcomings.
Iorfa attributes Lobi Stars’ disastrous relegation from the Nigerian Premier League to the mismanagement that followed his departure. He points to the team’s dismal performance in the second round of the season, winning only one out of 19 matches, claiming even that victory was a result of pleading with the opposing team, Insurance, to allow them a win. This abysmal record, accumulating only six points out of a possible 38, represents the worst performance in the league’s history, further emphasizing the stark contrast between his tenure and the subsequent administration. He believes this demonstrates the effectiveness of his management compared to his successors, showcasing his dedication to the club’s success.
Despite the accusations and the club’s unfortunate relegation, Iorfa expresses his willingness to assist Lobi Stars in regaining its former glory. He has reached out to the current chairman, offering his expertise and support, motivated by his deep-rooted connection to Benue State. However, his offer was rebuffed, with the current management claiming they possessed sufficient knowledge to manage the club. Iorfa’s offer underscores his commitment to the team’s well-being and his belief that his experience could be instrumental in its revival. He believes that the current administration’s rejection of his assistance stems from their awareness of their own missteps and the potential threat his involvement poses to their narrative.
The ongoing saga underscores the complex dynamics at play within Lobi Stars Football Club. Iorfa’s claims of being owed money, coupled with the accusations of embezzlement, paint a picture of financial mismanagement and conflicting narratives. The club’s relegation, a historic low for a team of Lobi Stars’ stature, further complicates the situation. The differing accounts of financial dealings and management strategies highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability to restore the club’s reputation and ensure its future success. Iorfa’s appeal for an apology, contingent on the government acknowledging their perceived wrongdoing, underscores the deep-seated tension and distrust that now characterize the relationship between the former vice chairman and the current administration. The future of Lobi Stars hangs precariously in the balance, demanding swift action and a commitment to rectify the issues that have led to this unprecedented downfall.
