The former Technical Director of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation, Chika Chukwumerije, has resigned his position at the International federation governing body of Taekwondo, World Taekwondo, after he was asked to undergo safety training following alleged assault on female athletes.
Chukwumerije had been accused of physical assault by female athletes. On May 31, the High Court in Abuja dismissed a N500million libel suit by him against Yemi Adeyemi-Enilari and Delateur Foundation, who took up the case.
It had been reported that other athletes who suffered similar abuse reported their ordeals to their state associations as one of the victims, Fatimah Abdullahi, recounted her ordeal in a petition written to the NTF.
SaharaReporters had on August 19 reported that amid the ensuing controversy, the World Taekwondo had in a letter addressed to Chukwumerije and dated Wednesday, August 18, 2021, gave him till August 24, to respond or face stiffer resolve of the World Taekwondo.
The World Taekwondo body had also called on Chukwumerije to take a safety training course.
It had also been reported that the WT also asked the NTF to institute protective measures that would be endorsed by the world governing body of the Taekwondo sports for the complaints.
But rather than comply with the directive, the former technical director resigned his role.
Corbin Min, World Taekwondo acting disputes coordinator, disclosed news of resignation in a statement sent to Delateur Foundation on Monday.
“It has taken time to confirm WT’s position in part because we have been in between quorums at Integrity Committee meetings due to the bi-annual committee appointment cycle,” the statement read.
“I can hereby inform you that Mr. Chukwumerije has stated to WT that he has decided to focus his efforts elsewhere and has stepped down from his WT-related positions.
“Our subsequent review has found no information contrary to this. Given this situation, and barring new information otherwise, WT finds that there is no longer a case in controversy within WT’s purview and therefore the case will be closed as per Article 3.3(D) of the Disciplinary Actions and Appeals Code.”
Nigeria’s Taekwondo Ex-Director, Chukwumerije Resigns Over Alleged Assault Of Female Athletes, Shuns Safety Training Directed By World Body
