As the final journey for the late Dele Jonathan begins in Ibadan, the entire crew of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), which was led by its chairman, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo and other boxing enthusiasts gathered at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium on Friday to pay the last
respect the late commonwealth champion, who died Saturday 29th April
this year.
Speaking at the commendation service organized by the family of the late boxer to kick-start the burial programmes, Dr Rafiu Ladipo amid tears described the death of Dele Jonathan as a great loss to the Nigerian boxing family saying it would take time to get his
replacement.
The NBB of C boss who could not hide his sadness and regrets while making remarks at the event saying “the circumstances that led to the death of Dele Jonathan is pitiable and not good for somebody that had given their best to their beloved country”.
He however, pledged to do everything within his capacity to ensure a good welfare for other ageing boxers that had done the country proud to encourage the younger ones that are coming into the game”.
Also speaking, Bidemi Bamidele, one of the children of the deceased who came down from United Kingdom to attend the burial described his dad as a loving and caring father who would do everything to make his
children comfortable while alive.
Other dignitaries at the commendation services was the secretary general of NBB of C Mr. Remi Aboderin, the general manager of Oyo State Sports Council, Mr. Gboyega Makinde, the Chairman of Oyo State
Amateur Boxing Association (OSABA), Chief Baron Akintunde Opaleye, the newly inaugurated boss for the Ibadan Area council of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control Hon. Gbenga Opalaye who doubles as the caretaker
chairman of Ibadan South/West Local Government.
Meanwhile late Jonathan would be buried today Saturday 11th November at his resident situated at Elewura area, Challenge Ibadan after funeral services at Elewura Community Grammar School, Challenge
Ibadan.
It would be recalled that Dele Jonathan for seven years battled very hard with his health after he was diagnosed with prostate enlargement at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan where he was only able
to pay for the first phase of his surgery but could not afford the cost for further medical care.
