Mr Akintunde Opaleye, a.k.a Baron, a former Chairman of the Oyo State Amateur Boxing Association, is dead.
Confirming Opaleye’s death on Sunday in Ibadan was the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State.
The association, in a statement jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Mr Niyi Alebiosu and Secretary, Adewale Tijani.
Opaleye, who had been sick for some time, was said to have given up the ghost, on Sunday morning at the University College Hospital, Ibadan where he was receiving treatment.
The statement read in parts, “The Oyo Sports Writers Association expresses deep sadness at the demise of a boxing promoter, Baron Akintunde Opaleye.
“Baron Akintunde Opaleye, who was a former 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.
“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.
“Oyo SWAN pray for the repose of the soul of the departed boxing promoter.”
The Association commisserated with members of the boxing fraternity in the state, including the younger brother of the late boxing promoter who is the Chairman of the State Boxing Association, Gbenga Opaleye, praying to God to give all his loved ones fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The statement 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.
