Kunle ADELABU
Prince Hakeem Olukunga, a Board Member, Lagos State Sports Commission, representing Ikorodu division, on Thursday, June 28, 2018, led members of the Ikorodu Division Football Association (IDFA) and others in joining the family of late veteran goalkeeper, Pa Lawal Sulaimon, popularly called ‘Rigogo’ in paying tributes to the deceased at the 8th day Fidau prayer.
Ikorodu soccer family was thrown into mourning mood following the death of the veteran goalkeeper in the early hours of Wednesday, June 20,2018, at 73 years
He was buried on the same day in his house at Ologede, Ebute-Iga in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu division.
His death came barely 6 days after the death of a young soccer star in the division, Sodiq Somefun.
Prince Olukunga, who described the late goalkeeper as a great example of commitment and dedication to sports development, also enjoined the family of the deceased and football association in Ikorodu to take heart on the lost.
According to Alhaji Lookman Shonibare, the Chairman of the Ikorodu Divisional Football Association (IDFA), the late Septugenarian died at 3.01am on Wednesday and was buried according to Islamic rites at around 3pm the same day.
The IDFA Chairman described the late goalkeeper as a thorough professional who contributed immensely to the development of the round leather game.
He said that the soccer family in Ikorodu would greatly miss the late goalkeeper.
Late Rigogo during his playing days played for the Nigerian Army team (the Green Beret) and was last with the technical team of the Strong Tower Academy in Ikorodu.
He was also a member of the Ikorodu All Stars Team Council of Elders.
