Dressed in sombre black and the stark white of traditional judogi, a solemn crowd gathered near the University of Ibadan gym complex, just beside the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences. The atmosphere on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, was heavy with an undeniable weight.
Additionally, eyes were bloodshot and heavy with tears as family members, well-wishers, students, mentees, colleagues, and members of the University Sports Council arrived to commemorate the passing of a giant. They stood together in shared sorrow for the funeral service and candlelight procession of the Coach, Aloba Stephen Olusola, affectionately known to many as “Eso” or “Sensei.”
Born on January 18, 1971, Coach Aloba passed away on June 8, 2026, leaving behind a profound vacuum in the Nigerian sports community and the hearts of those he mentored.
Coach Aloba was a brilliant embodiment of both brains and brawn. A proud alumnus of the University of Ibadan, he dynamically balanced his academic pursuits with his passion for martial arts. He earned a Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development in 1997, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2003, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Institute of Education in 2010.
All throughout his academic journey, he was a fierce competitor on the tatami mats. As an elite judoist, he won numerous laurels for the University of Ibadan, as well as Oyo and Delta States. On the international stage, he proudly flew the Nigerian flag at the World University Games (FISU) in Mallorca, Spain (1999) and Beijing, China (2001). His competitive peak came at the 2004 Africa University Games (FASU), where he clinched a prestigious Gold medal.
Also, at the time of his passing, he held the distinction of being the first Graduate Resident Judo Coach at the University of Ibadan. He was also a highly respected National “A” Judo Referee and an elite Black Belt practitioner.
Beyond his impressive résumé and technical mastery, the UI community revered “Eso” for his deep humanity. He did not just train athletes; he moulded character. He championed a legacy of discipline, humility, and unwavering resilience, instilling these core values into every student who stepped onto the mat.
Reflecting on his immense impact, one of his students, Omololami, shared a touching tribute:
“Coach was more than just a coach; he was a father to us. There was literally nothing you couldn’t talk to him about. His office served as a second Dojo. And he was a master at giving people affectionate nicknames.”
Images take at the event
The departure of Sensei Aloba Stephen Olusola is a monumental loss, but his impact remains immortal. He leaves behind generations of disciplined athletes, inspired coaches, and a transformed university sports culture. As the final salutations were given near the complex, the message was clear: Coach Aloba may have stepped off the mat for the last time, but his spirit will forever guide the University of Ibadan Judo family.
May his gentle, resilient soul rest in perfect peace.
The article was originally published by UCJUI
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