Former Captain of Ibadan Golf Club in Oyo State, Mr Idowu Salami, has described the death of Mr. Ola Ibironke popularly known as ‘Dudu Heritage’ as a big loss to the golfing circle.
Ibironke, who until his death was the Captain of Ibadan Golf Club, died at the age of 59 on Sunday evening at the club premises.
According to Salami, Ibironke played 18 holes round of the game the same day as he gave no sign of sickness.
He said: “I’m still in shock, it’s extremely sad, pathetic and unbelievable. He died in the Club’s pavilion. His entire tenure was focused on the development of the club and the uplift of the game.
“He did so many innovational tournaments that had never happened in the history of golf in Nigeria. We were to play a tournament this weekend known as Golf Captain Invitational Tournament and it has never happened before not just in Nigeria but all over the world.
“It was aimed at bringing all past captains all over Nigeria together to have a forum and the vision is to rotate it annually for the growth of golf.
“I was with him when the incident happened. He was hale and hearty, he was fit physically.
“I was about driving out of the clubhouse when I was called to return and that my friend just slumped. So I rushed back and I met him on the floor and we tried to rush him to the hospital but I guess he died on the spot.
The Ilesha born entertainer left seven children and his actress wife, Bimbo Oshin.
More reactions have also trailed the death of Mr Ibironke as some mourners thronged his house in Ibadan on Monday.
A former Lady Captain of Ibadan Golf Club and Tiger Golf Club, Sumbo Oshile, described the sudden departure of Ibironke as a rude shock to the entire golfers.
“An abrupt exit, while neck deep preparing for a historic tournament this weekend. His exit is a reminder to our ephemeral existence.
“He was indeed a gentle soul, easy in his strides, humble in his endeavours, focussed on his goal and a pleasant character. He was a good manager of people and the golfing circle where he was head,” Oshile said.
Also, Emeka Obi, a professional golf player, described the demise of Ibironke as a huge shock.
“It’s just sad because I was at the Ibadan Golf Club with him yesterday (Sunday).
“He came upstairs on Sunday evening and was making some jokes with some on my table.
“As I was seated, he told me to prepare for our match between Otunba Abimbola Davis and Monday Edet on Tuesday. He then left to sit on a table behind me with a former Captain, Akin Funmilayo and Mr Olaide.
“Thirty minutes after I left for my house, some people called me and asked what happened to him (Oshin), and that they wanted to know if it is true that he was dead?
“In all, he was a good man. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Obi said.
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