Less than 48 hours after his demise, politicians and eminent Nigerians have started mourning him.
The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who represented Atiba state constituency between 2011 and 2015, died yesterday at 45.
Leading the pack of mourners is a former colleague of the deceased during their days at the Oyo State House of Assembly, who is now a senator, Hadjia Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu.
Others are a governorship aspirant and former commissioner for works in Oyo State, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, members of the House of Representatives- Prince Akeem Adeyemi and Hon. Temitope Olatoye, lawmakers representing Atiba and Oyo East /Oyo West state constituencies – Hon. Gbenga Oyekola and Muideen Olagunju respectively as well as a former council chairman, Adesoji Ojoawo.
Writing on her facebook account, Sunmonu, a former speaker, said: “Every soul shall have a taste of death: In the end to Us shall you be brought back.” (Qu’ran 29:57)
“I am devastated to hear of the passing of my brother, friend and associate Hon. Waliu Adekunle, popularly known as ‘Ere’.
“Just last week we spoke on the telephone and he sent some people to me, promising to come himself the following week. Lo! Man makes plans, but God has His way.
“Waliu was a kind, unassuming and gentle hearted man, whose humility was a credit to himself and Oyo.
“May Allah give solace to family and friends who are still coming to terms with your passing. We are helpless as death is the inevitable reality of life.
“I will fondly remember our times together. I pray that Waliu meets the Almighty Allah well and may Allah forgive any shortcomings.
“Rest well my dear aburo,” she added.
Akintunde wrote: “I’m shocked. This is one death too many. Only few weeks ago, we met. There was no sign that he was going to die any time soon. He was hale and hearty, looking promising. He was the chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly committee on works and transport while I was commissioner for works and transport. We had a good working relationship. I have lost a dependable brother. I am speechless.”
Another governorship aspirant, Prof. Adeolu Akande, has described the death as ‘so sad’, adding that ‘rest in peace, brother.’.
Also, the member representing Oyo federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Prince Adeyemi, has condoled with the family of the deceased.
“Inna lillahi wa innaa ilehi rojiuuna .With heavy heart and deep sorrow, I announce the death of a great compatriot, a brother, a friend, an ally and a son of Oyo; Hon. Waliu Adekunle Abdul Ganiyu (Ere).
“Your death came as a rude shock to many of us. You died at a time we never expected. Who are we to query the utmost decision of your Creator. He created you and took you away from us at your appointed. Allahu Akbar! To Him we belong and to Him is our return.
“On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, The Alaafin of Oyo, and the good people of Oyo Federal Constituency, I pray your soul rest in peace. May Allah make your eternal abode Aljannah Firdaus,” he submitted.
In his own condolence message, another colleague of the deceased in the 7th Assembly who is now representing Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olatoye Sugar, wrote: “On behalf of my family, the good people of Lagelu / Akinyele Federal constituency of Oyo State and Olatoye Sugar Foundation (OSF) both home and abroad, I express my heartfelt condolence to the family and the people of Oyo zone on the departure of our highly revered patriarch to the great beyond.
“The testimonials of people of diverse cultural backgrounds in my domain underscore the fact that, Hon Waliu was an illustrious son and invaluable asset to human existence who has contributed immensely during his lifetime to the socio-political growth and development of our dear state and Nigeria by extension.
“We shall greatly miss him. May his gentle soul rest eternally.
“May the Almighty God grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss (Amen).
“Please accept the assurances of my high esteem as I make myself available when I return from UK,” Sugar assured.
Oyekola, who succeeded the deceased as a lawmaker, wrote: “What an irreparable loss, RIP Hon. Waliu Ere. May Almighty forgive your shortcomings”
This is just as Olagunju wrote: ”Hon. Ganiyu Waliu Adekunle, a very good man, may Allah be pleased with your soul.”
Ojoawo wrote: ”I remember him with a very heavy nostalgic feelings during our struggling years in politics and we’ve remained comrades till the end. Hon Waliu Adekunle Ere ,so many parts we tolled together to bring smiles to pples face,so many trips too numerous to remember, too many dance, too many smiles, too many frank talks, too many vision and desires. Good night Waliu a good comrade and fighter, we all love u but God loves u more, help me greet Temilade Ojoawo. It’s all about time see u in the world after. Adieu bros.”
An Abuja-based journalist and kinsman of the deceased, Mr. Remi Adebayo wrote: “The demise of this great kinsman, again, reminds of the inevitable end. So painful he left at his prime, and at a time when people of younger age are working towards engendering a new, progressive and development driven Oyo; a place of pride expected to set the pace, in renewed commitment as we project the richness of our cultural heritage alongside its development.
“Although we never enjoyed that fraternity while alive, safe for his elder brother, Gani, who was my mate at St. Andrew’s College Demonstration School, and of course, we spoke few times on the phone, however, confessions from huge supporters and followers of his politics confirmed Eree was a man blessed with a large heart; lived impactful life and noted for generous giving in aid of the downtrodden and disadvantaged where he largely had his human empowerment commitments.
“Now that How. Waliu Alagbon is gone, never to be seen here anymore, we can only pray that the almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give to his family that grace that no human can bestow, in going through this grieving and tortuous moment.
“I’m still shocked but God is not unaware,” he noted.
A socio-cultural group, Oyo Global Forum, wrote: “On behalf of the leadership of Oyo Global Forum, I want to sieze this opportunity to commiserate with the family of our dear brother, worthy son of Oyo and OGF member, Hon Waliu Ere. It’s a sad and tragic loss, not only to his family but to the community at large. We pray that the Lord will grant the family to bear the loss.”
