The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed shock over the deaths of two prominent figures in Nigerian sports journalism, Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Temisan Okomi, describing their passing as a loss to the media industry and the country’s sporting community.
In a statement released on Tuesday by SWAN Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo, the association’s president, Isaiah Benjamin, paid tribute to the late journalists, highlighting their enduring contributions to the development and professionalism of sports reporting in Nigeria.
“The deaths of Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Temisan Okomi represent 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, according to his employer, Classic FM Nigeria. He spent more than 12 years at the station, rising to Head of Sports.
Over the course of his career, he also worked with HiTV Nigeria and Lagos Television, earning recognition as a knowledgeable and engaging sports 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 added.
Oyeleke, a former chairman of SWAN’s Lagos chapter, has been laid to rest in Offa. A veteran journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority and SuperSport, he was widely respected for his leadership within the association and his efforts to promote 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,” the SWAN president said.
SWAN also urged members of the sports community to honour the memory of the late journalists by upholding the values of professionalism, dedication and integrity that defined their careers.