Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun Leads Tributes as Veteran Sports Broadcaster Akeem Akintunde Dies After Prolonged Illness!

Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun Leads Tributes as Veteran Sports Broadcaster Akeem Akintunde Dies After Prolonged Illness!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

A wave of tributes has followed the passing of respected Nigerian sports journalist and media administrator, Alhaji Akeem Akintunde, who died after a prolonged illness. Among those paying homage is Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, who described the late broadcaster as a pillar of sports journalism and public broadcasting in the state.
Akintunde, a veteran sports commentator and director at Ogun State Television (OGTV), was widely regarded as one of the enduring voices of grassroots and national sports development in southwestern Nigeria. Over decades of service, he earned recognition for professionalism, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing local sporting talent.
Governor Abiodun’s Tribute
In a condolence message issued in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun expressed deep sorrow over Akintunde’s death, noting that his contributions to sports media and public broadcasting left a lasting imprint on Ogun State’s media landscape.
The governor described Akintunde as a dedicated professional whose passion for sports journalism elevated OGTV’s coverage and deepened public engagement with athletics, football, and other sporting disciplines at both state and national levels. He extended condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the wider media community, praying for strength and comfort during this period of mourning.
A Career Anchored in Sports Development
Throughout his career, Akintunde was known not only for his authoritative on-air presence but also for his administrative leadership within OGTV. Colleagues recall his role in mentoring younger broadcasters and expanding sports programming, particularly through coverage of school competitions, local leagues, and state-sponsored sporting initiatives.
His voice became synonymous with major sporting events in Ogun State, and he was credited with using the media as a platform to spotlight emerging talents and promote sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment and social cohesion.
Media Community Reacts
Fellow journalists, sports administrators, and public officials have continued to pay tribute, describing his death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s sports media industry. Many highlighted his integrity, calm disposition, and longstanding dedication to public service broadcasting.
Akintunde’s passing comes amid ongoing national conversations about strengthening local media institutions and deepening investment in grassroots sports development areas to which he devoted much of his professional life.
Enduring Legacy
As tributes continue to pour in, observers note that Akintunde’s legacy extends well beyond the commentary box. His decades-long service underscores the critical role of state-owned media platforms in shaping sports culture, informing the public, and preserving institutional memory.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

Sources: Reports from The Punch, Vanguard, The Nation, and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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