The Chairman of the Osun State Basketball Association, Babalola Opeyemi, was allegedly prevented from gaining access to the venue of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Extraordinary Congress in Yola.

 According to a statement circulating on social media, Opeyemi was allegedly locked out of the congress venue by personnel of the Nigeria Police, reportedly acting on the instruction of the NBBF five-man executive committee.

 The statement described Opeyemi as a key stakeholder and significant investor in Nigerian basketball, particularly through his involvement in basketball activities in Osun State.

 It also alleged that another individual, whose identity was not disclosed, was accredited to represent Osun State at the congress.

 The development has reportedly raised questions among some stakeholders about the circumstances surrounding Opeyemi's alleged exclusion and the representation of Osun State at the gathering.

 The statement further questioned whether stakeholders could genuinely unite behind efforts to develop Nigerian basketball following the reported incident, particularly amid expectations of greater unity after the congress and election.

 However, the allegations have not been independently verified. The NBBF, the Nigeria Police and other parties involved would need to provide their respective accounts of the incident and clarify the circumstances surrounding Opeyemi's reported exclusion from the congress.