The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, is mourning the deaths of two veteran sports journalists, Temisan Okomi and Oyeniyi Oyeleke, calling their passing a major loss to the media and Nigeria’s sporting community.
In a statement Tuesday, SWAN Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo quoted President Isaiah Benjamin as describing the deaths as “a painful and irreplaceable loss to the Nigerian sports media family.”
“These were men who dedicated their lives to telling the stories of our athletes, leagues, and sporting heroes with passion, integrity, and excellence,” Benjamin said.
Okomi, a seasoned broadcaster, died after a brief illness, his employer Classic FM Nigeria confirmed. He spent over 12 years at the station and rose to Head of Sports. His career also included stints at HiTV Nigeria and Lagos Television, where he built a reputation as a knowledgeable, engaging presenter.
“Okomi was a consummate professional whose voice resonated across the airwaves and into the hearts of sports fans. His dedication, insight, and mentorship inspired a generation of young broadcasters,” Benjamin said.
Oyeleke, former chairman of SWAN’s Lagos chapter, has been buried in Offa. A veteran with the Nigerian Television Authority and SuperSport, he was known for his leadership in SWAN and his push for unity and welfare among sports journalists.
“Oyeleke was not just a journalist but a leader and builder. His tenure as Lagos SWAN chairman was marked by purposeful leadership, advocacy for professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the development of sports journalism,” Benjamin said.
SWAN urged the sports community to honor both men by upholding the professionalism, dedication, and integrity that defined their careers.
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