jamal 
*Protesters demand end to alleged victimisation, respect for Olatutu Oladunni, the first elected chairman in Lagos and adherence to SWAN constitution
Women and supporters of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter, on Thursday protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding an end to alleged victimisation and gender discrimination against the chapter’s chairman, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni.
The protesters, who staged the peaceful demonstration on October 22, 2026, called on SWAN National President, Benjamin Isaiah, and National Secretary, Ikenna Okwonkwo, to respect the electoral mandate of Oladunni and her executive committee and stop actions they alleged were aimed at undermining the elected state leadership.
They also urged the national officers to operate strictly within the provisions of the association’s constitution, uphold due process in resolving internal disputes and refrain from interference in the legitimate affairs of the Lagos chapter.
Oladunni, described by the protesters as the first elected female chairman of the Lagos State chapter, was at the centre of their demands for equal treatment, accountability and respect for democratic principles within the association.
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.
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 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 take cognisance of dispute
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 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 further warned that 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 legitimate interests of the Lagos chapter and preserve unity within SWAN.
