Deji Tinubu’s Death: “We’re In Shock And Disbelief” –Lagos Govt

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

For members of the Lagos State Executive Council, Thursday, January 25 was a day of joy that ended in sorrow.

They are in the town for a 3-Day retreat for Executive Council members and Body of Permanent Secretaries with the theme – Effective Strategic Planning for an Emerging Smart City, at the Jubilee Chalet, Epe.

After the opening by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, there was an inspection of some of the state government’s infrastructural development projects in Epe, then a novelty match which Mr. Deji Tinubu, the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives took part in.

The late soccer fan and analyst slumped while playing the five-a-side match with fellow participants at the ongoing retreat. He then slumped, with doctors and nurses rushed to give him first aid.

He was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Epe where he was confirmed dead.

While confirming the death of Tinubu, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan expressed “shock and disbelief’ over his colleague’s sudden death.

“We are still in shock. All of us at the State Executive Council are in disbelief. He was a good and committed patriot who brought his passion to his job. He was a gentleman who maintained excellent team spirit. We shall miss him,” Bamigbetan said.

He said the State Government has reached out to his immediate family to commiserate on this huge loss to the family and the citizens of Lagos State.

An autopsy is expected to b​​e carried out while burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

Tinubu’s death sent shivers down many spines with its news becoming too shocking for many of his fans to comprehend.

There have also been torrents of disbelief and tribute to the man known as a soccer aficionado with in-depth analysis of football.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of former Executive Committee member of the NFF, Mr. Deji Tinubu following his sudden demise last night. We are still in shock as we pray for the repose of his soul,” a Twitter message by the NFF stated.

A sad avid follower of the deceased said: “The news of Deji Tinubu’s death is too shocking to comprehend. He was everybody’s favorite friend on radio. He made you fall in love with football analysis. He will be surely missed.”

Lolade Adewuyi, a columnist with The Guardian wrote: “Really shocked to hear about the passing of Deji Tinubu, he blessed morning radio with his knowledge of football. I cannot believe he has gone just like that, such cruel fate. Our condolences to his family and friends.”

Tinubu was sworn in as Special Adviser on Sports and Chairman of the State’s Sports Commission on October 19, 2015.

He was recently moved to take up his new portfolio.

Tinubu’s death makes it the second time in two months that the Tinubu family would witness sudden and unnatural death.

Deji Tinubu’s uncle, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first son, Jide, suddenly became unconscious and later died in his house on November 1, last year, after returning from an outing at Lekki Central Hotel, in Lagos.

The late Deji Tinubu, in his late 40s, was the son of late Chief Kafaru Tinubu, one of Nigeria’s foremost police officers.

He is survived by an aged mother, Chief Mrs. Bintu Tinubu, wife, Yemisi and his siblings including oil tycoon, Adewale Tinubu.