Shuaibu Amodu laid to rest amidst tears

Remains of the Late Shuaibu Amodu being laid to rest in Okpella Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State

Jethro Ibileke/Okpella

The remains of the late former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Shuaibu Amodu, were laid to rest Saturday evening at his country home in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, amidst tears and wailings.

Amodu’s body, that had earlier been brought to Okpella from Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin at about 12.30p.m., was brought out from the inner chambers of his house for internment at about 5.07 pm.

Some family members and neighbours could not hold their emotions as they cried and wailed uncontrollably.

At about 4 p.m, Amodu’s mother who had earlier been taken to the palace of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Alhaji A.Y.E. Dirisu, was returned to the compound after she had been informed of her son’s death.

Special prayers, led by Ustaz Ahmed Shehu, was offered for the repose of the soul of the late coach of the defunct BCC Lions of Gboko.

In his remark, Ustaz Shehu discribed the death of Shuaibu Amodu as a great loss to Okpella community, Etsako nation, Edo State and the nation at large.

At about 5.10p.m. a funeral prayer for the late Shuaibu Amodu was observed, shortly after which he was interred at about 5.15p.m

Members of the Nigerian football family including the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of the Edo Football Association, Frank Ilaboya;
Robinson Okosun and other football and sports enthusiasts gathered at the late Amodu’s residence to pay their last respects.

Top officials of the Edo State government such as the late Amodu’s cousin and Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Commissioner for Environment, Clem Agba, and other notable personalities from the Etsako nation also attended the burial.

Hundreds of residents of Okpella were not left out as they trooped out to honour one of their sons.

The late soccer tactician was survived by his late wife, Kuburat; seven children, mother, brother and sisters.