Moshood Adebayo

Remains of  Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry to Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr. Deji Tinubu, were buried yesterday.

Tinubu, 54, slumped and died last Thursday in Epe, during a novelty match at a retreat for State Executive Council, permanent secretaries and other top government functionaries.

He was interned at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi Lagos, after a church service at the City of David, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victoria Island.

Governor Ambode led other mourners, including Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo; former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi and members of the state executive council.

In a special tribute, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, Ambode described Tinubu as a great professional who devoted time to the service of humanity.

“He was an engineer, but he was also an engineer of sports. He was both sports man and sports lover. But he will be unforgettable as a sports administrator. Those who followed him knew him as a symbol of service to humanity.

“We had seen him enliven us on television screens and through radio waves. He was an enthusiast and an analyst. He probed the game and predicted it.

“He pointed out weaknesses and strengths. He saw flair, he saw style, he celebrated goals. He delighted in them and infected all who listened or watched him with his full vigour and vitality about living,” the state government said. 

In his sermon, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade said Deji was a quintessential gentleman and a pillar, who contributed in no small way in building the house of God.

Iluyomade urged the congregation to see Deji’s death as a reminder of the futility of life and the need to submit their lives to God.

On his part, Amosun described the deceased as a man who had a deep passion for football and sports in general.

Wife of the vice president, Mrs Osinbajo, urged  the family of the deceased to take comfort in God, while praying that God will sustain his wife and children.