Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has condoled the family of the late Nigeria international, Rashidi Yekini, who passed away on Friday in Ibadan, the state capital, describing his death as unfortunate, disheartening and sad.
Ajimobi, in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said that he received the news of the demise of the late soccer star with shock and disbelief.
While noting that the death of the striker had dealt a big blow not only to the sports circle but to the country as a whole, he said that Yekini was snatched by the cold hands of death at such an auspicious time when his wealth of experience was mostly required to boost Nigerian soccer.
Ajimobi said that the ex-striker, whom he described as Nigeria’s all-time record goalscorer, having netted 37 times in 58 matches for the Super Eagles, would be fondly remembered for his skill and dexterity in the soccer pitch, which had endeared him to the heart of sport lovers both within and outside the country.
He said: “Although the one-time African Footballer of the Year died at an unripe age of 49, he surely made an indelible mark while on the surface of the earth. This should be our consolation, that he lived a fulfilled life.
“I, therefore, want to admonish the immediate family of the deceased, his soccer family, friends, associates and indeed, entire Nigerians not to mourn Yekini but to celebrate him as one of the heroes of Nigerian soccer.”
The governor prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest, and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.