Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, the Majority Leader of the Saki West Legislative Arm and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for the Saki West State Constituency in the 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly election, has expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Flying Eagles coach and respected community leader, Hon. Kehinde Adewuyi Adetola, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Adebayo extended his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late sports icon, the government and people of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, political associates, friends, and admirers of the deceased, noting that Hon. Adetola’s death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. He described the late coach as a distinguished patriot whose contributions to youth development, grassroots sports, and community advancement earned him widespread respect across generations.
According to Adebayo, the late Adetola was more than a football coach; he was a mentor, leader, and bridge-builder who dedicated his life to nurturing young talents and promoting the welfare of his people. He noted that Adetola’s remarkable journey from the football pitch to public service reflected his unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and societal development.
The APM chieftain recalled the late coach’s impactful tenure as a former Flying Eagles coach, during which he contributed significantly to the growth of Nigerian football and helped shape the careers of numerous young athletes who later became national and international stars. Beyond sports, he acknowledged Adetola’s role in grassroots governance and community development, particularly in Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun region, where his legacy of service remains deeply cherished.
Adebayo further stated that the late statesman’s dedication to youth empowerment, mentorship, and community building distinguished him as one of the region’s most influential personalities. He described Adetola as a symbol of integrity, selflessness, and visionary leadership whose impact transcended political and social boundaries.
While commiserating with members of the late coach’s family, Adebayo urged them to take solace in the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and excellence left behind by the deceased. He stressed that although Hon. Adetola may have departed this world, his contributions to sports development, governance, and human capital development would continue to inspire future generations.
The Majority Leader also extended condolences to the leadership and members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), political stakeholders across Oyo State, and the people of Saki West, describing the loss as a collective tragedy for all who benefitted from the late coach’s wisdom, guidance, and leadership.
“Hon. Kehinde Adetola lived an exemplary life dedicated to service, mentorship, and the advancement of humanity. His legacy will remain etched in the hearts of the people he touched and the communities he helped transform. Though he is no longer with us, his remarkable contributions to sports and society will continue to speak for him,” Adebayo stated.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant his family, associates, and the entire Oke-Ogun community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. As tributes continue to pour in from across political, sporting, and community circles, many have described the late Hon. Kehinde Adetola as a towering figure whose life exemplified dedication, patriotism, and service to humanity.
