Six hours after the initial standoff began, athletes representing Team Ogun remain stranded outside Babcock University, as the main gate remains locked. Athletes are unable to leave the Games Village, and officials continue to wait at various event venues.
The delay stems from unpaid allowances. With Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun set to celebrate his birthday tomorrow, the same day as the Gateway Games closing ceremony, the athletes have issued a warning: unless they receive their payments today, they will disrupt both events.
The protest could overshadow the governor’s birthday celebrations and may affect attendance at the closing ceremony, which is expected to be graced by President Bola Tinubu. If the standoff continues, it may deter the president from attending and draw further negative attention to the situation.
