Sports Enthusiasts Remember Ogunjobi 2 Yrs After Death
By Solomon Odeniyi
SPORTS enthusiasts in the country have paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, who died two years ago.
Ogunjobi was a former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Federation. He passed away after a brief illness on February 11, 2019.
He was also a former Nigeria Shooting Stars player, as well as the Chairman of the State of Osun FA.
Mr. Tunde Shamsudeen, media aide to the late Ogunjobi, in a statement yesterday said: “Two years ago you left this sinful world.
“I am honoured and blessed to have known and worked closely with former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi TJO. He was truly a blessing in my life and I will forever miss him. Thank you for your exceptional kindness during your lifetime. Rest on Fiwajoye! Rest on Skippo!!”
The Head Coach, FC Dynamic Iwo, Rasaq Akinkunle said Ogunjobi remained one of the successful football administrators in the country.
Akinkunle added that his death has exposed incompetence at various football levels in the country; and most especially in the State of Osun.
He said: “The death of Chief Ogunjobi is like sudden blow of a transformer that supply electricity to multiple areas and like a sudden collapse of the popular ever-busy Niger Bridge.
“His death has exposed incompetence at various football levels in Nigeria, but most especially in the State of Osun.
“Nobody is indeed irreplaceable, but after two years, the uniqueness of TJO still makes the replacement difficult. Thus, his extraordinariness is still making others to look ordinary.
“Continue to rest in peace Sir, our own pride, unique manager, great organiser, evergreen coordinator, men builder, exceptional administrator, destiny helper, talents discoverer, Special father to all.
“Football is still missing you just as we do on daily basis.”
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Women Professional League, Olayinka Olawole, described the late Ogunjobi as a mentor who led an impactful life.
Olawole said: “A great leader, father, boss, friend, mentor and more. Continue to rest in peace Sir. Humble to the core. You lived well and impacted a lot of lives.”
Also, the Omoluabi Giant, Osun United, in a statement by its Media Officer, Tajudeen Amodu, said the late Ogunjobi, after his service at the national level, came back to his state of origin to develop sports.
The statement reads, “The late Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), now NFF was the former President of the Omoluabi Giants and until his death, the Chairman, the State of Osun Football Association.
“Known for his sagacity in football administration and management, the Ijesa-born icon, after serving his fatherland meritoriously between 2002-2005 berthed to his source, the State of Omoluabi, raised the bar of sports, particularly football and made Osun United a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s football community.
“The late Ogunjobi was known for his generousity and philanthropic gestures, as he assisted most of the football administrators at the helms of football affairs in Nigeria today.
“TJO, Osun United remember you today and always. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
