Tears, Tributes, Memories As Ex-Ogun SWAN Chairman, Hakeem Akintunde Is Buried

ABEOKUTA – The atmosphere was enveloped with grit, sober reflection, and mournful theme as attendees put on a forlorn look at the burial ceremony of the late Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde, former Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), was laid to rest.

Died on Wednesday at the age of 57, at Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after three years of protracted battle with pancreatic cancer.

Akintunde, a veteran media professional and former Director of Programmes at Ogun State Television (OGTV), was buried in an Islamic rite on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Sunnat Muslim Maqbara (cemetery) at Olomore, in Abeokuta.

Janazah prayer was offered to Allah at the Secretariat Muslim community Mosque, opposite Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Abeokuta on behalf of the late Alhaji Akintunde, an incisive sports analyst, who was fondly called ‘Akoko in his lifetime.

Both at the Secretariat Muslim community Mosque and Sunnat Cemetery Olomore, grieving colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, including the Senator representing Ogun Central, Senator Salisu Shuaib, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Kunle Salako, Member of the House of Representatives from Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, the Ogun State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu and Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade Triple A, prayed for the repose of Akintunde’s soul.

They also called on the Almighty Allah to show the deceased mercy, forgive his shortcomings and grant the loved ones he left behind the strength and wisdom to handle the trying moment.

Colleagues and friends recalled Akintunde as a mentor, visionary, and consummate professional.

They maintained that his legacy would inspire future generations of media professionals in Nigeria.

The burial ceremony was a reflection of Akintunde’s impact on the sporting community, with many in attendance paying their last respects.

Tributes poured in from far and wide, with the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, describing Akintunde as a “gem whose absence would be deeply felt”.

Abiodun hailed the late Akintunde as a distinguished, thoroughbred media professional and accomplished manager whose commitment to duty was exceptional.

The governor described the late broadcaster as warm, pleasant, and highly respected among colleagues, adding that his passing after a prolonged illness marked the end of a remarkable career defined by excellence, passion, and professionalism.

Abiodun noted that even while battling serious health challenges, including kidney-related ailments, Akintunde remained resourceful, diligent, and deeply devoted to his work, particularly in sports broadcasting where he built an enduring legacy.

“As a media professional, Alhaji Akeem Akintunde was an outstanding personality — pleasant to be with and completely dedicated to his job. He was a manager of managers, a mentor to many, and a shining light in journalism and sports reporting,” the governor said.

“His passage marks the end of a remarkable career built on dedication, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the profession.”

Similarly, the Senator representing Ogun Central, Shuaibu Salisu, submitted that Alhaji Akeem Akintunde was not merely a broadcaster; he was a standard-bearer.

He said his career at OGTV, where he rose to become Director of Programmes—was defined by uncommon dedication, excellence, and an infectious passion for journalism.

The Senator maintained that his departure marks the end of a remarkable era—one in which he lived and breathed journalism and sports until his very last moments, stressing that “Ogun State has lost a voice, the media has lost a mentor, and sports reporting has lost one of its finest interpreters.”

In his condolence message, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Tunde Lemo on his official Facebook page said, “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde, a veteran sports journalist whose professionalism, dedication and passion for the media and sports defined a remarkable era in Ogun journalism”.

According to the astute Banker, “the late Akintunde’s commitment to the broadcasting craft, his insightful commentary and his mentorship to generations of broadcasters, made him a beacon in our media community”.

The Ogun State SWAN Chapter described Akintunde as an exemplary leader and passionate advocate for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.

The association’s Chairman, Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji in a condolence message recalled that Akintunde, during his tenure as Chairman of Ogun SWAN, demonstrated uncommon dedication to the growth of sports journalism, fostering unity among members and strengthening the association’s relationship with key stakeholders in the sports sector.

Ogunsiji posited that his contributions to the advancement of sports reporting and administration in the state remain indelible.

According to him, the late Akintunde was widely respected for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

He said, beyond his professional accomplishments, late Akintunde was a mentor and father figure to many young sports journalists, offering guidance and support that shaped numerous careers.

The Ogun State chapter of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) described the late Akintunde as a thoroughbred broadcaster who had a unique ability to captivate audiences with his insightful analysis and commentary.

NIPR said he served with dedication and commitment not only at his station but also within NUJ and SWAN, which he led with purpose and panache.

The SWAN National President, Isaiah Benjamin who was represented by the National Treasurer, Femi Amusan said Akintunde’s departure would leave an endearing gap in the association nationwide, noting that nothing happens outside the will of God.

Akintunde’s family has requested prayers and condolences during this difficult period, as they bade farewell to a beloved husband, father, and colleague.

Ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu in a short condolence message, remarked “Alhaji Akeem, Allahu will bless your soul. Rest in perfect peace.”

In his sermon at the Jannaza, the Chief Imam of Unity & Ifelodun CDA, Obantoko, Gbonagun, Abeokuta, Ustaz Bashir Ibrahim reiterated that every soul will taste death.

Ustaz Bashir urged all attendees to remember the family and children in prayers during this difficult period.

He said, the good work, his religious fervor and kindness to humanity will remain his shield in after life.

Akintunde’s career spanned several decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping programming and content at OGTV. He was celebrated for his tenure as SWAN Chairman, championing the professional development of sports journalists across Nigeria.

He reported Nigerian sports across the length and breadth of this country with a level of depth and authenticity that commanded respect from athletes, administrators, and fellow journalists alike.

He was, truly, a repository of broadcasting and sports knowledge. To watch him work was to witness mastery. To listen to him was to learn.

The sports journalism community in Nigeria has lost a stalwart, but his memory and legacy will live on.

Late Akintunde is survived by an aged mother, two wives and five children.