The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State has expressed deep sadness over the demise of a boxing promoter, Baron Akintunde Opaleye.
Baron Opaleye, who is the State Chairman of the National Amateur Boxing Association, gave up the ghost on Sunday morning at the University College Hospital Ibadan, where he had been receiving treatments for an ailment.
In a condolence message signed by the Association’s Chairman Mr Niyi Alebiosu and its Secretary Adewale Tijani, Oyo SWAN lamented that the death of Baron Opaleye has robbed sports writers in Oyo State of a big brother, reliable friend and great supporter.
“Late Opaleye was amiable and friendly to every person he came in contact with. He was also kind and helpful to us”.
The release recalled that late Opaleye, who was also an Estate Manager and Land Developer during his life time, was instrumental to the planning of the Association’s project, Oyo SWAN Estate.
As a sports administrator, the former Chairman of the National Amateur Boxing Association promoted and nurtured many boxers.
Oyo SWAN prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed boxing promoter.
The Association while commiserating with members of the boxing fraternity in the state, including the younger brother of the late boxing promoter who is the Oyo State Chairman of World Boxing Council, Honourable Gbenga Opaleye, also prayed to God to give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
