Ositelu, popularly called The Arena, the name of his column in newspapers, was not a man of one sport; he was deeply knowledgeable in many sports. So, when the sad news of his passing hit Nigerians on Thursday morning, no one would deny that Nigerian sports had lost one of the most passionate journalists and administrators in the country.
Deacon Ositelu would have been 70 years on April 6, but his death on January 9 would not only mean his family and friends would miss him, it would also mean Nigerians would be denied of a one-of-a-kind analysis as the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations draws near.
As his wife, Aribike, narrated, the late Ositelu was watching the television around 7.30pm before complaining to her that he was suddenly not feeling well.
“He was not ill prior to that period,” she said. “But we quickly called the family doctor who was waiting for us at the clinic.
“Three doctors were on ground to attend to him when we arrived but despite their efforts to treat him, he gave up the ghost less than 30 minutes of our arrival. They checked his blood pressure in the process but it was normal.”
According to her, Ositelu was not a man given to unnecessary apprehension and was rarely in shock. Even though, being a sport addict as he was, he must have been waiting to watch the Nigeria versus Cape Verde friendly game, the anticipation of the game could hardly have had any effect on his health. He was a journalist that had seen and could predict any last minute drama in any Nigerian team. He was that good!
As a consultant with The Guardian, Ositelu never missed the opportunity to write on the tennis, especially the Grand Slams. But unknown to many, the Deacon was also a boxing addict.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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