Kunle Adelabu
-Ikorodu All Stars, Grassroots Development, others mourn
The sporting family in Ikorodu Division and Lagos in general, on Sunday, received the shocking news of the death of Alhaji Kolawole Saheed Akinsanya, a retired police officer, grassroots sports administrator, community developer, safety ambassador, talents moulder and an author.
Alhaji Akinsanya, Chairman, Tuagaga Community Development Association (CDA), died early Sunday morning after a brief sickness, was buried in his house at Aga Ikorodu according to Islamic rite, same day.
At his burial were family members, CDA executives, residents, sports administrators, chieftains of the Ikorodu Division Football Association, members of the All Stars Football Club, members of the Ikorodu Heroes and staff of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS).
Alhaji Akinsanya was a retired senior Police Officer in 2021, and former member, Customary Court.
Until his death, he was the Otunba Atuluse of Magbon-Alade in Ibeju Lekki Local government.
He was also a Safety Ambassador and the Special Adviser on Security to the Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) and Special Adviser, Safety & Security Matters to the Chairman, Ibeju – Lekki Local government.
He was also the founder and the President of the Grassroots Sports Development Association (GSDA).
The late sports developer formed the Akinsanya Babes in 1989, and the team later metamorphosed into the Pepsi Academy, Ikorodu Centre, in 1996. He also formed and managed Greater Tomorrow FC and the Ikorodu Tigress FC, the first female football team in Ikorodu.
Meanwhile, Chairman of All Stars Football Club, Ikorodu, Mr Babatunde Fajebe, reacting to Alhaji Akinsanya’s death, said that the community and the state as a whole has lost a rare grassroots developer.
“This is a rude shock and unexpected. We have lost a rare gem, ambassadors of sports and a community developer per excellence.
“He contributed immensely to the growth and development of sports in Ikorodu Division, Lagos State and Nigeria.
“Alhaji was a jolly good fellow who was very strict, disciplined and a man of high standard.
“You cannot write the history of sports development in Ikorodu and Lagos State without his name been mentioned. He really impacted on sports and was very interested in the development of youths.
“We are going to miss him greatly”, Mr Fajebe said.
Mayor A.M. Kalejaiye, the Chairman, GSDA, described Alhaji Akinsanya’s death as too shocking and sudden to be true, stating that the deceased was, until his death, was full of life and was active within the sporting and community circles and other groups.
“We are all at a loss at the death of Alhaji Akinsanya, because he was a great man who contributed immensely to the development of sports and community generally.
“Alhaji was rare person who cut across every aspect of the society. His impacts on humanity will forever remain indelible.
“It is now our duty to preserve his legacies by continuing to develop sports in the grassroots. He was a great man whom everyone is going to miss greatly”, Mr Kalejaiye said.
In a statement by the Ikorodu Heroes (I-Heroes) signed by its President, Mr Majolagbe Olashile, the socio – economic and political group commiserated with the Akinsanya family on the death of their patriarch.
“The members of I-Heroes wish to commiserate with the entire family of Akinsanya, on the death of Alhaji Saheed Kolawole Akinsanya.
“We pray God strengthens the family and grants them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
“Please, accept our condolences”, Mr Majolagbe said on behalf of the I-Heroes.
Oluwakemi Hassan (General Bashexy), also mourning the death of Alhaji Akinsanya whom he described as a safety ambassador and pillar of community, also said that he would be missed.
“Alhaji Kola Akinsanya was a pillar of our community, and his presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“His contributions to Sport development, especially football, his kindness and dedication have left a lasting impact on so many lives.
“Life and death are in the hands of God; He gives and takes according to His perfect will and timing”, he said.
Oluwakemi sympthised with the family of the deceased football administrator.
“To the Alhaji Kola Akinsanya’s family, friends and Associates, I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss. May you all find comfort in the memories and the legacy he left behind”.
Former Chairman, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Kehinde Okeowo, lamented the sudden death of a man she described as a kindhearted man.
“Haaàaa, it’s sad to hear about the demise of a kind hearted and pillar of sport development in Ikorodu division, Alh. Akinsanya.
“May God grants him eternal rest and comfort the family he left behind.
“ADIEU!”.
The Ikorodu Ambassadors Group, in a statement on Sunday and signed by its Coordinator, Mr Lateef Sholanke (Arizona), sympathized with the family of Alhaji Akinsanya, and also described him as a community developer.
“The Ikorodu Ambassador Group (Home and Abroad), sympathise with the entire families of Akinsanya on the death of Alhaji Saheed Kolawole Akinsanya (the father of Pepc Foundation’s Founder).
“The Late Alhaji Saheed Kolawole Akinsanya is a community, religious person and foremost grassroots football supporters.
“May Almighty Allah forgives all his shortcomings and grants him Aljana Firdaus.
“Please, accept our condolences”.
Late Alhaji Akinsanya was survived by wife, Alhaja Akinsanya, children and grandchildren.
