The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife has been thrown into mourning on Friday over the death of one of its staff, Gbenga Omotosho.
Recall that in December 2019, the university lost three of its academic staff. This include; the Acting Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts, Victoria Adeniyi; the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, (OAUTH), Jerome Elusiyan and Nicholas Igbokwe, a senior lecturer of the Department of Physical and Health Education.
As an undergraduate, late Omotosho represented Nigeria in the athletics competition of the World University Games held in Mexico. Mr Omotosho nicknamed Coach Mexico was however employed to coach the school athletics team over a decade ago.
He led the school’s athletic team at major tournaments including the 2014 and 2017 editions of the Nigeria University Games (NUGA). However, it was gathered that the sportsman gave up the ghost in Ile-Ife on Friday morning.
Although the cause of his death us yet to be ascertained, POLITICS NIGERIA learnt that Mr Omotosho has been battling an undisclosed ailment for over a year.
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the school management is yet to react to the death of its staff.
Some of his team members have mourned the demise of the popular coach.
One of his colleagues, Adewale Junaid, wrote:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I am announcing the demise of this highly experienced coach, who is versed in both Athletics and football matters, Coach Gbenga Omotosho of the Obafemi Awolowo university sports council.”
“Mexico as fondly called was a jovial, lovely and lively individual who is loved by whoever comes into contact with him while alive. I remember those days at the Ife township stadium sabo, ile ife in the early 90s that he was transferred to Osun State as a result of the creation of the state.”
“The advice, tutelage and friendship we developed then was a bond with us till d end. You are such an enigma that was humble and carried yourself with dignity. Not swayed by the honours you had in track and field and those that have excelled in athletics through you.”
