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‘Ayoola will be sorely missed’ – Makinde
The government of Oyo State, on Thursday, announced the passing of its Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Kehinde Ayoola.
The Commissioner, had at the start of the Fourth Republic, served as the Speaker of the 4th Session of the Oyo State House of Assembly, under the administration of former Governor Lam Adesina, also of blessed memory.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Hon. Ayoola had two weeks ago driven himself to Frontida Critical Care Hospital, Iyaganku, Ibadan for medical checks, after which he was advised to proceed on bed rest.
He was, however, pronounced dead on Thursday morning.
The statement indicated that Governor Makinde received the news of the passing of the Commissioner with “shock and deep sadness.”
The governor said: “I received with deep sadness, the news of the death of my dear friend and colleague, Rt. Honourable Kehinde Ayoola. Up until his death this morning, he served as the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Oyo State.
“I met late Rt. Honourable Ayoola in 2002, when we worked together as members of the Fortune Group for the election of Senator Rasheed Ladoja. He also served as the Director-General for my 2015 campaign and the Deputy Director-General for my 2019 campaign.
“He was a loyal friend with a dedication to duty that cannot be questioned. He will be sorely missed for his great oratory skills and his love for the people of Oyo Town and Oyo State. May his soul rest in peace.”
The governor also prayed that the Almighty God would grant his wife, children, the cabinet and the government of Oyo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the entire people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear the loss.
Hon. Ayoola was one of the first batch of 14 Commissioners sworn into office on August 14, 2019 by Governor Makinde and was thereafter asked to man the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
The late Commissioner was born in Oyo town in January 1965 and attended St. Michael’s Primary School, Oke Ebo, Oyo, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, where he studied Animal Science and Environmental Management and Control.
The statement further indicated that the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Makinde, described the sudden demise of the Commissioner as shocking, adding that he served the state diligently and to the best of his ability.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
The political and academic communities in Nigeria were thrown into mourning on Sunday following the death of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of the old Oyo State.
Dr. Olunloyo, a distinguished mathematician, seasoned politician, and elder statesman, died in the early hours of Sunday after reportedly battling age-related ailments. He was aged 89 and would have clocked 90 in about three months.
Born into the aristocratic Olunloyo family of Ibadan, the late statesman made history in 1983 when he was elected governor of the old Oyo State under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His tenure, however, was short-lived as the military coup of December 1983 abruptly ended the Second Republic and consequently his time in office.
Known for his brilliance and sharp intellect, Olunloyo was widely regarded as the first and only individual to have ruled Ibadan as a distinct administrative unit before the restructuring of states in Nigeria.
A family source who confirmed his passing described his final weeks as a period of intense struggle with age-related health complications.
“The family is currently in mourning and will make burial arrangements public in due course,” the source said.
More details to follow…
