NBB of C waves Peace Flag at rebel group

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C has waved an olive branch to the 'rebel group' led by Isaiah Ezeogu in the interest of the sport. The President of the body Prince Olaide Adeboye told nigeriasports.com in Lagos on Wednesday that, he would welcome the members of the factions into the fold if they are willing to do so.

 

He explained that, he remained the authentic President of NBB of C and that any other body that claims to be a rival group, was doing so for nothing. "The election into the body is done every four years and until we have another election in 2006,I remain the President," he said.

Prince Adeboye disclosed that he was surprised that Trigo Egbegi whom he co-opted into the body and who later became the Secretary General was the same person sowing the seed of discord by going ahead to form other body.

"I am in charge and will remain in charge until the election. Infact person who is claiming to be leader of rival group is not presently our member and I don't how he can become the leader if he does not first serve on the board," he said.

 "What is happening now is just a passing phase which we are determined to correct in the interest of our boxers," he added.

Also at the gathering to lend credence to the Adeboye group were vice president, Walter Batowei, former WBC lightheavyweight number one contender, Joe Lasisi, former national coach, Joe Mensah, a member of the board, Dr. Raufu Ladipo, Commonwealth title aspirant, Segun Ajose and a host of others.

Also speaking at the conference, the Vice President, Walter, said the NBB of C led by Prince Adeboye was the athentic one and that the other group formed by Trigo and cohorts was a fake one.

He advised that if they wanted to form another boxing board they could do so under a different name and not NBB of C and they could be recognised by the international bodies.

 "It has taken most of us several years to toil and put NBB of C where it is today and we will not fold our arms and allow some disgruntle elements to come and rubbish all our past labour," he explained.

In his own contribution, Lasisi said that it was painful that the NBB of C leadership was currently engulfed in crisis but supported the Adeboye-led body by calling the rival body a fake group.

Also Speaking, London based Ajose said: "There is only NBB of C.  It is not possible to have two boards. I do not recognise this group and I am equally sure that WBC, WBO and IBF do not recognise this group."

In his own submission, former national coach, Joe Mensah explained: "When I came back from London, I was surprised to hear that another group of people, whom I have not met in all my over 40 years in boxing, were claiming to be the leaders of NBB of C. 

"If they want to be the leaders, let them join the board and contest and not to hijack it," he stated.

The rival group had gone to the court to seek injuction against the Adeboye board but, the latter said by the powers confered on them by the federal government, they had nothing to fear.

.ADEOLU JOHNSON

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