Governor Makinde Fulfills 27-Year-Old Land Promise to Shooting Stars Heroes

Posted : 17 June 2025

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting sports and correcting past injustices by fulfilling a longstanding promise to players and officials of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) team that won the Nigerian Premier League and WAFU Cup in 1998.

At a special ceremony held to commemorate the occasion, Governor Makinde formally approved the allocation of plots of land to the victorious team members, a reward initially promised by the then military administrator of the state, Commissioner of Police Amen Oyakhire.

While the land pledge had remained unfulfilled for over two decades, Governor Makinde stated that his administration, though not responsible for the original commitment, considered it a moral obligation to honor those who had brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria.

"The government I lead believes in hard work, excellence, and justice. This is not just about redeeming a pledge; it's about recognizing and celebrating dedication and sacrifice," Makinde said.

The 1998 Shooting Stars squad had been promised ₦1 million and a plot of land each, following their historic victories. However, successive administrations failed to fulfill the land allocation aspect of the reward.

By approving the long-overdue land grants, Governor Makinde has earned widespread praise from players, officials, and fans alike. The late Bode Oyewole, then Chairman of the club, was remembered during the event for his leadership during the team’s golden era.

Among the 25 beneficiaries of the newly approved plots are notable names including: Sunday Adu (Captain), Andrew Aihkomogbe, Shanka Ugwah, Eric Ejiofor, Niyi Elegbede, Samuel Yamta, John Benson, Leye Akinde, Rafiu Salaudeen, Golden Ajeboh, Sunday Ilevbare, Peter Obanor, Ochuko Otos, Shobayo Adesina, Kazeem Tijani, Kola Ademola, Friday Christopher, Barr. Owolabi Salami, Dimeji Adenekan, Mojeed Azees, Pius Daniel, Bauldwin Bazuaye, Allain Njoh Njoh, Jossy Ladipo, Bode Oyewole

The beneficiaries now await the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) from the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.

This gesture further highlights the Makinde administration’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of Oyo State athletes while correcting long-standing administrative oversights.

Governor Makinde Fulfills 27-Year-Old Land Promise to Shooting Stars Heroes

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