The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) is in deep shock and mourning the loss of esteemed member Adeyinka Adebayo, who served as the head of the sports desk at Eko FM/Radio Lagos until his passing.
The announcement of his death on Tuesday night has left both the association and the broader sports journalism community reeling.
At the time of his death, Adebayo was also a Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Information and a dedicated member of Lagos SWAN.
Colleagues are remembering him for his professionalism, commitment, and significant contributions to the growth of sports journalism in Lagos State.
In response to the news, Debo Oshundun, Chairman of Lagos SWAN, expressed profound sadness: “I am devastated. ‘Yinka was one of my greatest supporters and confidants.
He was very close to me, and his passing has left me deeply saddened.”
“I called him Woli Agba, I am lost for words in describing what his death means to me personally and Lagos SWAN as an organisation,” Oshundun said.
According to Oshundun, the late Adebayo was a multifaceted individual who left a lasting impact on Lagos SWAN members as a mentor, friend and colleague.
He believes his legacy of dedication and kindness will continue to resonate within the sports writing fraternity and ensure his memory endures.
Dapo Sotuminu, former Group Sports Editor of Compass Newspapers, said: “Apostle Yinka Adebayo, may your soul rest in perfect peace. May the good Lord take care of the children you left behind. A good guy just left us.”
Ace broadcaster and CEO of AfroSports, Deji Omotoyinbo, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Terrible news. A real gentleman. Rest in peace, Yinka.”
Former Lagos SWAN Chairman and Sports Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Tony Ubani, shared, “Yinka is, without doubt, the definition of a gentleman.
He was compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile. God has called him back to His Kingdom, where there is no pain or crying. Rest in peace, my man of God, as I used to call him.”
Another respected member of Lagos SWAN and current Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, lamented, “Adebayo was too young to die!”
Condolence messages continue to pour in from members, along with heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends, as they seek strength to bear this profound loss and pray for his soul to rest in perfect peace.