By Faith Akindele
It was a morning filled with tears, emotions, and heartfelt memories as thousands of family members, friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, to pay their final respects to the late Mr. Kehinde Adebayo Ojelowo during his lying-in-state ceremony.
The atmosphere was deeply moving — a blend of sorrow and gratitude — as the reality of his passing finally sank in. From the moment his body arrived at the stadium, emotions overwhelmed the crowd. Many wept uncontrollably, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man whose kindness, humility, and passion had touched countless lives.
The brief, twenty-minute ceremony was deliberately kept short to prevent overcrowding, as mourners pressed forward to catch a final glimpse of the departed sports icon who gave his all to the service of Oyo State and Nigerian sports.
Every corner of the stadium echoed with grief and reverence as sports administrators, coaches, athletes, and friends paid tribute to a man whose life embodied service, excellence, and humanity. His colleagues from the Oyo State Sports Council and the Football Association could hardly hold back tears as they recalled moments of laughter, dedication, and leadership that defined his illustrious career.
From the terraces to the pitch, members of the sporting community spoke of him not only as an administrator but as a mentor, father figure, and friend whose legacy will forever live in their hearts.
As the ceremony drew to a close, a solemn silence enveloped the stadium — a powerful reminder that Mr. Kehinde Adebayo Ojelowo was more than just a name. He was a pillar of hope and integrity, a man whose absence leaves a void that words can scarcely fill.