Former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Akin Akinbobola, has attributed the relegation of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens football clubs to systemic mismanagement, poor funding, and political interference by the Ondo State government.

The relegation marks the end of Sunshine Stars' 22-year unbroken run in Nigeria's top-flight football league, with both the men's and women's teams now demoted to lower divisions.

Speaking at a press briefing to review the clubs' performances, Akinbobola expressed frustration over what he described as mediocrity and misplaced priorities in the management of the teams.

"To the best of my knowledge, that place is not well-managed. Mediocrity has crept into the very breadth of that place," Akinbobola stated. "How can you put a carpenter to go and become head of the hospital management board? How can you put a medical doctor to go and be head of the Judiciary Commission? It cannot work."

The former ODSFA chairman criticized the state government for using football and sports appointments as political rewards rather than merit-based selections.

"The governor should not be using football or sports appointments as payback for the boys and sycophants. Sycophancy has paved the way for the promotion of mediocrity in the administration of sports," he added.

Emmanuel Oduyi, former Chairman of Sunshine Stars FC Supporters Club, has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently complete the stadium project as part of efforts to revive football in the state.

Meanwhile, Daniel Udoh, a former player of Sunshine Stars FC, emphasized the need for a competent administrator to lead the club's revival efforts, stating that "all must be done to bring Sunshine Stars back."

The relegation of both Sunshine Stars from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Sunshine Queens from the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWFL) represents a significant setback for sports development in Ondo State.