Seyi Akanni
A famous quote by Batra is: “Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour (Indian flag), or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.”
The moment Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi laid down his sword, the State of Osun FA was inundated with myriad of insinuations, forecasting perilous and gloomy days for football related activities in the state. To avert the looming dangers in sight, one must agree that Ogunjobi must return.
Of a truth, the gallant, hero and a recherché gem has fallen in Taiwo Ogunjobi, the 'Fiwajoye' of Ede land.
Born in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, Captain Batra of 13 J&K Rifles, is known as the hero of the Kargil war.
He led one of the toughest war operations in Kashmir, and was also called Sher Shah (in the intercepted messages of the Pakistani army).
He was instrumental in recapturing Peak 5140, which is located at an altitude of 17,000 feet. During this mission, Batra was seriously injured but still managed to kill three enemy soldiers in close combat.
After capturing Peak 5140, he went on yet another difficult mission to recapture Peak 4875 on July 7, 1999. Batra made a call to his father before he left and told him about the crucial mission. Hardly did he know that this would be his last call home.
It was one of the most difficult missions the Indian army attempted because the Pakistani forces were sitting above the peak at 16,000 feet and the climb gradient was 80 degrees.
On their way up, one of Batra’s fellow officers was severely injured. Batra set out to save him. When a subedar tried to help him save the officer, Batra pushed him aside, saying, “You have children, step aside.” He saved his fellow soldier but was killed while clearing enemy positions.
Late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi has in the time past battled enemies within and without in close combat for football to take its due position.
He has endured so many afflictions because many are the affliction of the righteous but the Lord delivers him from them all. 'Skippo' as he's fondly called has fought for many destinies to survive.
Chief Ogunjobi excelled in both academics and the round leather game. He left Shooting Stars in 1976 to pursue his academics in the United States. He later Captain the same team in 1984 to play in the finals of the African Champions Cup and played in the Green Eagles team that played in the finals of AFCON in Ivory Coast in1984.
As a leader with rare leadership styles, Ogunjobi administered Shooting Stars, Gabros International and Julius Berger before rising to become the Secretary General of the then NFA, and later Technical Committee Chairman of the NFF.
He is a simple man but very brave and skilled in battle. The then Osun FA boss served the immediate past government as Senior Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Football Matters.
An icon whose tales will not just make your chests swell with pride, but his sacrifices will leave your eyes widely moist. He has sent me on different occasions to deliver cash gifts to troubling souls within our sporting space, what a worthy role model!
From its extraordinary congress yesterday, Osun FA has been charged to shun glitz and embrace unity, such that the legacies left behind by Ogunjobi would be greatly sustained, the main reason why Ogunjobi must return.
"You must be united to produce a leader who will continue where Ogunjobi unexpectedly stopped.
"We are seriously indebted to late Chief Ogunjobi, a leader per excellence because 'NO' doesn't exists in his dictionary.
"I assure you all that football will not die in this state, the government will do everything within its purview to advance this course." The words of immediate past commissioner for Social Protection, Sports and Special Needs, Com. Biyi Odunlade.
Whoever emerges the leader of the Football Association in the state through elective congress of June 17th, 2019 must know that Ogunjobi died while watching other peoples back and should be thankful for Ogunjobi's courage and valor.
Sustaining the standard set by TJO would attess the fact that Ogunjobi must return. The congress has since declared five (5) days for the purchase and submission of forms for the chairmanship position.
Posterity would not be kind upon anyone that comes on board and allows the hard fought legacies of our own 'Skippo' and 'Osun Pillar of Sports' to go in vain.
We need a leader like Ogunjobi who understands the industry very well and whose altruistic act is second to none.
I will soon come back to this space and x-rays the antecedent of those willing to jostle for the revered seat of Osun FA boss.
Death is indeed the beginning of eternal life. Rest on our dear Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi till that day when we shall sing ' O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory ?'
