The Oyo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its counterpart, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed rude shock over the death of Rt Hon Kehinde Ayoola.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Engr Akeem Olatunji, the party describes the late politician as a gallant soldier, “dedicated and loyal party faithful, and a humane fellow to all that encountered him while he was alive.”
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“Just when the PDP family in Oyo state was trying hard to get over the demise of late Chief Richard Akinjide at a ripe old age, who was one of the party’s founders and a foremost legal luminary in Nigeria, death struck again taking away one of the finest politicians the state has produced.
“We as a political party are in a deep sober and mourning mood because late Hon Ayoola left us when his wealth of experience and versatility is greatly needed as the Governor continues to chart a new course for the state economic growth and development within the ambient of very scarce resources.
“The intelligence and intellectual prowess of late Hon Ayoola led to his emergence as the first Speaker of Oyo state House of Assembly after the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999.
“He continued to fill one exalted public and party office within and outside the state including working with Engr Seyi Makinde as the Deputy Director-General Seyi Makinde Campaign Organization prior to the 2019 governorship election in the state.
“Late Kehinde Ayoola was always keenly interested in the development and progress of Oyo state without prejudice or discrimination of any kind.
“He was always calm, friendly, and a good listener which are parts of the qualities that endeared him to so many politicians across party lines.
“We are deeply sad and words could never be able to express the pain PDP family is going through across the length and breadth of Oyo state because his skills and qualities will be sorely missed forever, obviously his death justifies a philosophical saying that the wealthiest place on earth is the graveyard.
“The entire PDP family in Oyo state deeply commiserate with the family of late Rt Honourable Kehinde Ayoola, his lovely and supportive wife, and children, and we pray that God in His infinite mercies grants them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
The ruling party commiserates with the executive governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde.
On its part, Oyo APC said the news came like a thunderbolt to all Oyo State residents.
“If we classified the death of the erstwhile Commissioner for Environment as a BLACK THURSDAY SHOCK, we would be right.
“We are indeed shocked because this is yet another colossal loss to the Government and people of Oyo State and especially to Oyo town.
“We condole with the Government of Oyo State under the leadership of Engr SEYI MAKINDE, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, his family and Oyo State PDP for the shocking demise of this Political Trojan.”
The party prays that Almighty God forgives his shortcomings.
