Friends and associates of Deji Tinubu were still in shock as the sports administrator was interred at the Ikoyi Gardens and Vault in Lagos on Tuesday.
Prior to the interment of the former special adviser on sports to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, a funeral service was held at the City of David, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victoria Island.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the body of the sports enthusiast was laid in state at the same venue where friends and colleagues filed past the body.
In attendance at the funeral service was the wife of the Vice-President, Pastor Dolapo Osinbajo, Gov. Ambode, Ogun Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and members of the Lagos State Executive Council.
Delivering his sermon, the presiding pastor, Rev. Iluyomade admonished the congregation on the need to emulate the virtues exemplified by Tinubu.
“Everyone needs to emulate his good works if they want to be where he has gone to. For Christians it is goodnight and not goodbye.
“Ayodeji has lived a short life that should be a lesson to all and the Bible says except a man be born again he shall not see the kingdom of God.
“To be born again is the greatest of all because we will all leave all the earthly possessions here and give account to God.
“If anyone wants to see Ayodeji where he has gone to, then such person must make it right with God,’’ Iluyomade said.
In his remarks , Amosun said it was unfortunate that the late special adviser died on his birthday after a promise made by him to come visiting him.
“It is quite unfortunate to hear about his demise. Last time I had an encounter with him was when he came for the 10th anniversary of Segun Odegbami’s Football Academy.
“We discussed and he promised to come back to see some of what the state has put up. I challenged him to come early.
“He then promised to come but it is quite unfortunate that he died on my very birthday which is Jan. 25. I cannot contain it when the news got to me but I thank God for all his achievements,’’ he said.
In his tribute, the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) Debo Oshundun, described the late sports administrator as an irreplaceable manager of the game.
“He is irreplaceable in our hearts. He is a man that gave it all for the sports he loves so much. He is a sport lover per excellence.
“He was always ready to assists whenever he was called upon and whenever we were to host our annual SWAN Week. He always supplied us water.
“The sports ministry under his watch grew to something phenomenal and the evidence is there for all to see, he is a man that had passion for sports.
“It is, however, unfortunate that he died doing what he loved doing best, he was passionate about football and he had demonstrated that all the time.’’
Dolapo Osinbajo prayed for the family of the deceased.
Tinubu was a sports writer and commentator. He was appointed Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Council in 2000 and in 2017 he was appointed Special Adviser on Sports.
However, shortly before he died, he was reassigned to the ministry of commerce and industry as a special adviser to the governor.
He died while on duty at the Lagos State Excos Retreat while playing a novelty football match in Epe on Jan. 25, 2018. (NAN)
