Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the death of the first civilian governor of Osun and serving senator, Isiaka Adeleke, as shocking, disheartening and sad.
The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan said Ajimobi received the news of Adeleke’s sudden death with shock and disbelief.
The governor described the late senator as a celebrated and committed politician, distinguished senator, grassroots mobiliser, socialite and great philanthropist.
Ajimobi said: “When the news filtered in that Sen. Adeleke was dead, l was extremely shocked and amazed.
“ I found it very difficult to believe, because he was bubbling with life when l saw him last.
“Sen. Adeleke was one person l admired for being a fine politician who committed his life to the service of humanity and his native Ede land.
“Right from his days as the first elected governor of Osun State up till his death, he never wavered in stretching his helping hands to the poor and the needy.
“His role in the dominance of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, from when he decided to team up with the progressives, till death, is noteworthy.
“ Sen. Adeleke was an asset to our party. He will be greatly missed.”
Ajimobi also commended the late senator’s contributions to debates on the floor of the Upper Chamber, which, he said, contributed immensely to quality legislation by the National Assembly.
The governor expressed the regret that Adeleke died at a time when his wealth of experience was needed to salvage the country from its current socio-political challenges.
“His sudden death is even more regrettable because the people of Osun State, members of the APC nationwide and indeed all Nigerians will henceforth miss his gregarious personality, his zeal for development as well as his great mobilisation skills,’’ he said.
Ajimobi also prayed God to grant the soul of the late senator Aljanah firdous and the bereaved family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.
Adeleke died in the early hours of Sunday at a private hospital in Osogbo.
