The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development and Founder of Smart City Football Club, Hon. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, has expressed profound grief over the passing of Alhaji Kamaldeen Olawoye, describing him as one of the most loyal, dedicated and influential personalities in the history of Smart City FC.
Alhaji Olawoye passed away on Friday at Almat Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, Lagos, after a brief illness.
The heartbreaking news was conveyed to Hon. Adeboye while he was supervising the club’s training session at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, ahead of the team’s forthcoming engagements.
Upon receiving confirmation of the sad news, the Founder immediately ordered the suspension of the training session as a mark of honour and respect for a man whose commitment, sacrifice and years of selfless service helped shape the identity and growth of Smart City Football Club.
Thereafter, Hon. Adeboye led members of the club’s management, technical crew and players to Almat Medical Centre to sympathise with the bereaved family and pay their final respects.
Speaking with deep emotion, Hon. Adeboye described the late Alhaji Kamaldeen Olawoye as more than a football administrator, saying his passing has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
“Today, Smart City Football Club has lost one of its greatest pillars. We have lost a brother, a trusted confidant, a loyal companion and a man who devoted a significant part of his life to building this football family. This is a painful loss, not just for Smart City FC, but for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Hon. Adeboye recalled that Alhaji Olawoye dedicated many years of his life to the club, serving in various leadership capacities and playing a vital role in strengthening its administrative structure and football development programmes.
He noted that because of his exceptional years of service, dedication and advancing age, the club’s management last year encouraged him to step back from the demands of daily administration and enjoy a well-deserved period of rest after his remarkable service as the club’s Chief Operating Officer.
Although he was no longer actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the club, Hon. Adeboye said Alhaji Olawoye remained a respected elder, mentor and valued member of the Smart City FC family, whose counsel, wisdom and unwavering interest in the club’s progress continued to inspire both management and players.
“Even after we encouraged him to take a deserved rest, his love for Smart City FC never diminished. He continued to follow the club closely, offering advice, prayers and words of encouragement whenever needed. His loyalty was unwavering, his commitment unquestionable and his belief in our vision never changed.”
The Presidential aide further described the late football administrator as a humble, disciplined and selfless leader who believed passionately in using football as a platform to transform young lives and create opportunities for future generations.
According to him, Alhaji Olawoye’s contributions extended far beyond administration, as he became a father figure to many players and staff members who benefitted from his wealth of experience, calm disposition and exemplary character.
“Kamaldeen believed in this project from its earliest days. Through difficult moments and periods of success, he remained steadfast, always putting the club above personal interests. His legacy is deeply woven into the history of Smart City FC, and generations to come will continue to benefit from the foundation he helped to build.”
Hon. Adeboye extended his heartfelt condolences to the Olawoye family, praying that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and comforts his family, friends and the entire Smart City FC family during this difficult time.
He assured that Smart City Football Club would continue to honour Alhaji Kamaldeen Olawoye’s legacy by remaining committed to the vision and values he faithfully served throughout his years with the club.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.
