The Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN), an organization founded with the ambitious goal of revitalizing the nation’s boxing scene, has been plunged into turmoil just seven months after its inception. A wave of resignations, including key founding members, has exposed deep-seated divisions and conflicting visions within the association, raising serious questions about its future and the prospects for the sport it sought to champion. The exodus, which includes the vice chairman, spokesperson, general secretary, and another executive member, points to a fundamental disconnect between the association’s stated objectives and the actions of its leadership. This internal strife threatens to undermine the very foundation of BPAN and casts a shadow over the hopes for a unified effort to elevate Nigerian boxing.
The departures began with Waheed Alabi, the former vice chairman and Chairman of De-Lads Boxing Promotions, who tendered his resignation in March 2025, citing irreconcilable differences in the association’s direction. Alabi’s resignation letter explicitly stated that the ideals of BPAN no longer aligned with his vision for the advancement of professional boxing in Nigeria. This initial departure triggered a domino effect, with other prominent members, including spokesperson Edna Aiyegbeni, daughter of the late boxing promoter Chief Francis Aiyegbeni, general secretary Neye Showunmi, and executive Akeem Akinade of Youfitbox Promotions, also choosing to sever ties with the association. The rapid succession of these resignations signaled a deep-rooted malaise within BPAN, suggesting a widespread dissatisfaction with the association’s trajectory.
Alabi’s departure, however, was not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a larger pattern of dissent within BPAN. He revealed that others had left before him, and more continued to leave after his resignation. The reasons for this exodus appear to stem from a perceived divergence from the association’s original goals, coupled with allegations of clandestine meetings and actions taken by certain individuals within the organization. Alabi expressed frustration with the perceived obstacles hindering their efforts to propel Nigerian boxing forward, suggesting covert agendas at play. He alluded to secret meetings conducted by individuals whose motives seemed to deviate from the collective vision, prompting him to disassociate himself from the organization to protect his reputation and uphold his personal goals.
Further shedding light on the internal conflicts within BPAN, an anonymous former member leveled serious accusations against the association’s chairman, Omonlei Imadu, who also heads YUCATECO Boxing Promotions. The source accused Imadu of stifling individual aspirations and exhibiting dictatorial tendencies, alleging that Imadu prioritized personal gain over the collective good of the association. Specific instances were cited, including a boxing trip to Benin and Togo, during which Imadu allegedly signed deals with Francophone countries without the knowledge or consent of other members, deviating from the original objective of identifying and nurturing young boxing talent. The source further alleged that Imadu’s focus was not on growing boxing in Nigeria but on establishing himself as the sole sanctioning body, attempting to supplant the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) and the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC).
These allegations of Imadu’s actions paint a picture of an individual more concerned with consolidating power and control than with advancing the interests of Nigerian boxing. The claim that he signed underage amateur boxers to five-year contracts, restricting their ability to compete professionally, further reinforces this perception. Such actions not only stifle the growth of individual boxers but also undermine the overall development of the sport in Nigeria. Alabi corroborated these allegations, stating that BPAN’s antagonistic stance towards established boxing institutions like the NBF and NBBofC was a key factor in his decision to leave the association. This conflict with existing governing bodies further isolates BPAN and hinders its ability to effectively contribute to the growth of Nigerian boxing.
The mass resignations mark a stark reversal of fortune for BPAN, which was established in August 2024 with the stated aim of revitalizing Nigerian boxing. The initial optimism surrounding the association’s formation, fueled by promises of synergy with established bodies and grassroots development, has been shattered by internal discord and allegations of misconduct. Edna Aiyegbeni, upon her election as spokesperson, had expressed high hopes for strengthening collaboration with the NBBofC and tapping into Nigeria’s vast talent pool to provide opportunities for aspiring boxers on both national and international platforms. However, the current state of disarray within BPAN throws these aspirations into doubt, raising concerns about the future of the association and the prospects for the sport it was created to serve. The internal conflicts and allegations of self-serving leadership have eroded the trust and confidence necessary for a unified effort to advance Nigerian boxing, leaving the future of the sport uncertain.
