Oyo State FA mourns Crown FC driver

The Oyo State Football Association (Oyo FA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Yinusa Popoola Amole, a driver attached to Crown Football Club, following a fatal road accident involving the club’s contingent while travelling to a pre-season tournament.

The tragic incident has thrown the management, players, officials and supporters of the Ogbomoso-based club into mourning, sending shockwaves across the football community in Oyo State.

In a condolence message on behalf of the association, Oyo FA Chairman and Alakinyele of Akinyele, His Royal Majesty, Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran, expressed profound sadness over the development, describing the loss as painful and heartbreaking.

The former FIFA referee extended his heartfelt condolences to Crown FC’s management, players, technical crew, officials and supporters, as well as the immediate family of the deceased.

Oba Odeniran also disclosed that the Oyo FA Secretary, Taiwo Adesola, had been with the team at the hospital since the incident occurred, demonstrating the association’s solidarity with the affected club.

“In a demonstration of the Association’s solidarity and concern for the welfare of football stakeholders, the Secretary of the Oyo State Football Association, Taiwo Adesola, has been with the entire Crown FC team at the hospital since yesterday, following the accident,” he said.

“His presence at the hospital underscores the commitment of the state football governing body to standing by its affiliates during moments of distress and providing moral support to those affected by the unfortunate incident.”

Speaking further on behalf of the association, the Oyo FA chairman said the news of the tragedy had been received with heavy hearts, noting that the death of Amole was a significant loss to both Crown FC and the wider football community in the state.

“We received the news of this tragic incident with profound sadness and a heavy heart. The death of a member of the Crown FC family, Yinusa Amole Popoola, in such an unfortunate circumstance is a painful loss, not only to the club but also to the entire football community in Oyo State.

“At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are with the management, players, officials and supporters of Crown FC, particularly the immediate family of our departed brother. We share in your grief and stand in solidarity with you as you navigate this painful period,” Oba Odeniran said.

The Oyo FA leadership also expressed concern for the welfare of other members of the club’s contingent affected by the accident and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Oba Odeniran prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked Almighty God to grant his family, Crown FC and everyone affected by the tragedy the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.