Kwara State House of Assembly (KWHA), Wednesday moved the motion for the renaming of the state stadium complex in Ilorin after the ex-Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini.

The stadium is located along Ibrahim Taiwo Road in the state capital.

Yekini hailed from Ira in Oyun Local Government Area of the state.

The Majority Leader of the House, Dr. Abraham Ashaolu, who moved the motion at the plenary session of the house Wednesday, said that the contributions of the late soccer legend to sport development in Nigeria were enormous.

According to the lawmaker, "the football icon who was a former African footballer of the year deserves to be immortalised in view of his achievements in the game."

He also moved the motion that the KWHA should send a delegation to condole the family and the traditional ruler of the Ira community.

While seconding the motion, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Adamu Sabi from Okuta/Yashikira Constituency, recalled the exploits of the late footballer who played 88 matches and scored 37 goals for Nigeria. He described Yekini's contributions as historical.

The lawmaker also supported the motion to name the state stadium after Yekini as a mark of appreciation of his contributions to Nigerian soccer.

In his contribution, the member representing Shao/Essa/Igbadun Constituency, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke expressed concern over the inability of Nigerians to celebrate their heroes while alive. He said that everyone was aware of Yekini's condition before he died but took no action to assist him.

Describing Yekini as a religious, simple, skillful and a dedicated Nigerian, who had used his talent to serve the country, Hon. Oyeleke said he deserves to be honoured and recognised.

The Speaker, Hon. Abdulrazaq Atunwa, described the late Yekini as a great Nigerian who had done Kwara, Nigeria and Africa proud in the world of football.

The Speaker later constituted a committee chaired by Hon. Adamu Sabi to consider the deliberation of the members. It would be recalled that the family of late Yekini had on Tuesday appealed to the appropriate authorities in the country to immortalise the late player.

The spokesperson of the family, Alhaji Lateef Amolegbe made the appeal while receiving the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed in Ira during his condolence visit.

Similarly, the monarch of Ira, Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro, Wednesday said that his people resolved to name the major street in the town after the late striker who was buried at his Eesa compound on Saturday.

Oba Oyetoro, who spoke with THISDAY in his palace Wednesday, said that the decision of the community was based on the contributions of Yekini to the town and Nigeria in particular.

He said that, the council of chiefs and people of the town reached the decision to honour their illustrious son after a general meeting.

Meanwhile, a committee has been put in place by the Oyun Local Government Council of the state to organise a befitting Fidau prayer for Yekini.