NO CAUSE FOR ALARM OVER INTERIM INJUNCTION ON PREMIER BASKETBALL LEAGUE- NBBF

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has reassured stakeholders that there is no cause for alarm over the recent Interim injunction reportedly issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on 20th March, 2019, restraining the NBBF from organizing the National Premier League.

The recent Ex parte Order stemmed from a lawsuit filed before the court by Alhaji Ibrahim Saad (Chairman Gombe State Basketball Association), Dr. Adegbite Adeyemo (Chairman, Kwara State Basketball Association) and some individuals posing as the League Management Board of the Kwese Premier Basketball League, over the choice of the federation in picking Nigeria's representative at the 2018/2019 FIBA Africa Basketball League. The League Management Board of the Kwese Premier Basketball League is a mere creation of the extinct NBBF which has no affiliation to the present NBBF Board.

The Federation through the Vice President, Babatunde Ogunade described the actions as an unwarranted distraction.

“The distasteful intentions of the dramatis personae is already known to all basketball stakeholders and fans in Nigeria. This recent hitch will in no way deter us in consolidating on the progress so far recorded in the domestic and international scene since we assumed office in 2017.”

Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, Ogunade said "The NBBF wishes to assure all basketball practitioners that this case lacks merit. Even though in deference to the law the NBBF is restrained from discussing the merits of the case which is subjudice since its already before a court of law.

The Board assured that the case will be pursued to its logical conclusion in consonance with the law and Sports regulations in force.

Ogunade advised all the State Basketball Association Chairmen and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in pursuit of excellence saying the programmes for the 2019 season already sent to all concerned stakeholders will tip off as scheduled.   

2019 basketball calendar will officially start with the annual Stakeholders Meeting scheduled for Lagos and Abuja in April.