The Oyo State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has solicited the support of the state government and Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) for families of the departed referees.
The chapter’s Chairman, Niyi Alebiosu, in a condolence message on behalf of the association in Ibadan on Monday urged them to initiate the support for the families.
The two deceased referees were Rafiu Opeyemi, a member of the Ona Ara Referees Society, and Ibikunle Abiodun from Akinyele Referees Society.
Alebiosu, in the condolence message, said Opeyemi lost his life on Saturday in a fatal auto accident at Osu in Osun.
”He died while returning from Abuja where he had participated in a national fitness test.
“Abiodun, in his own case, died earlier on Friday following an illness.
“So, they died in active service and thereby their families deserve the support, especially as the deceased fellows had served their profession and the state diligently,” he said.
Alebiosu said Oyo State SWAN deeply commiserated with the families of the departed referees as well as the leaderships of NRA and the Oyo State Football Association over the untimely death of the two referees.
“That is why we urge the state government and NRA to raise financial support for the families. The two young referees had a promising future they had left behind,” he added.
The chapter Chairman said Oyo State SWAN saw the past weekend as a black one for the football fraternity in the state.
“The death of these two promising referees was a colossal loss to the round leather game in the state and Nigeria at large.
“This is why the NRA and sports administrators in the state should immortalize the two departed referees for future generations to know their contributions to the development of the game in the state.”
Oyo State SWAN also prayed for a speedy recovery for Segun Oni and Ajadi Odunayo, the two other referees who sustained injuries in Saturday’s fatal accident.
It prayed for divine protection for the two surviving referees and other members of the football family in the state and the country.
