It was a celebration of life for a football icon in Ibadan and a catalogue of life after death messages to those on earth to have a rethink and probably adjust their ways as the remains of the Former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, *Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi* were committed to mother earth on Friday, 15th March, 2019.
Sports247.ng reports that the Presiding Pastor, Living spring International,Ibadan, *Pastor Femi Emmanuel* in his sermon, enjoined the congregation to always live an impactful life so that pastor would not start lying on pulpit about how they spent their life on earh. Pastor Emmanuel added that the journey on this earth is transcient and everyone will be accountable to the Supreme Being hereafter.
“I urge you all to know that there is nothing in this world. Ogunjobi never thought he would die but there was nothing he could do when death came knocking. This will happen to us all one day hence the need to become born again”, submitted Pastor Emmanuel.
Earlier at Lekan Salami Stadium on Thursday, Ex International, *Mr Mutiu Adepoju* (A.K. A ,The Head Master) said that Ogunjobi has done so much for Oyo State, Osun, Nigeria and Africa as whole. He was always willing to help others. Chief was someone who has a listening ears with solutions in mind. Honestly, we are going to miss his advice, maturity, humility in Nigeria Football” La Liga Ambassador lamented
Representative of the players Union, Secretary General, National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers, NANPF, *Mr Austin Popo* on his part said that “We are proud of Ogunjobi even in death and our joy today is that Ogunjobi has proved to the world that players are not that dull. He was able to combine education with football, he managed big Clubs and also served the nation till the last breath. It’s high time Ex players started thinking beyond coaching” Austin Popo advised.
From the refereeing circle, *Mr Dele Atoun* from Lagos State Referee Council, Atoun said, “I didn’t not really work so closely with Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi but he was someone who always provides adequate security for the members of Nigeria referees Association. In short, Referee world is going to miss someone like him who values human lives than outcome of the game. Chief Ogunjobi would still call you to confirm if you arrived home safely” Dele Atoun sobbed.
Also, from the *President of Authentic Nigeria Football Supporters Club*, Prince *Ogunjimi Abayomi* (A.K.A Bonfere Jo), in his words “Ogunjobi is one in a million and I want to unequivocally posit that Ogunjobi’s replica would be difficult to find. Skipo has helped someone like me to grow and I think NFF should set a day aside for him to celebrate this Icon” Bonfere Jo concluded.
From NPFL Club Owners perspective, General Manager, Abia Warriors Football Club, *Mr Patrick Ngwaogu (A.K.A Odogwu Abia)* said that “Ogunjobi was a role model and his achievement as an Icon must be documented for the younger generation of players. Sunday, the lesson we learn here is that we should all strive to leave a good legacy like Ogunjobi did today. He played the game and administered the game to the top level. He brought up Gabros, Austin Ejide and countless players” Odogwu posited
There were two major novelty matches with the first one involving Ambassadors and Ex Super Eagles Players which ended 2-1 in favour of the former where the likes of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, Former Eagles Midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, former Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, Eagles’s Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, popular Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, among others were captained to glory by the NFF’s 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.
The second game witnessed a scintillating performances between Lagos Selected and Ex 3sc/Osun United players where Dele Adeleye, Femi Opabunmi, Duke Udi, Sodiq Suraj, Waheed Olapade were captained by Dr. Felix Owolabi (owoblow)
Wife of the deceased, Mrs Bukola Ogunjobi, the deceased’s younger brother, Rotimi, as well as children of the late 3sc General Manager, led by his first son, Deji were also present while the kick off of the match was done by Chief Ogunjobi’s grandson, Timilehin.
On Wednesday, the Western Nigeria Football Forum, headed by the First Vice President of NFF, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, held a symposium in his honour with the theme: ‘Celebrating the Life and Times of Ogunjobi
Chief Ogunjobi who hailed from Ilesha, State of Osun was born on the 17th August, 1953 and died on the 11th February, 2019 at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan at age 66
