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South Africa’s last white president is dead

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In this file photo taken on January 31, 2014, Former South African president FW de Klerk looks on before delivering his speech to mark 20 years of democracy in Cape Town. Jennifer BRUCE / AFP

FW de Klerk, South Africa’s last white president, died on Thursday aged 85, his foundation announced.

De Klerk and South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for leading the “miracle” transition from white rule in the country.

He died after a battle with cancer, his foundation said in a statement.

De Klerk had announced his diagnosis on his 85th birthday, on March 18 this year.

“It is with the deepest sadness that the FW de Klerk Foundation must announce that former president FW de Klerk died peacefully at his home in Fresnaye earlier this morning following his struggle against mesothelioma cancer,” it said.

He is survived by his wife Elita, children Jan and Susan, and grandchildren.

“The family will, in due course, make an announcement regarding funeral arrangements,” it added.

He is most remembered for his famous speech delivered on February 2, 1990, announcing the lifting of a ban on the African National Congress (ANC) and other liberation movements.

In the same speech, he ordered the release from prison of anti-apartheid icon Mandela after 27 years in jail.

Born in the economic hub of Johannesburg, into a family of Afrikaners, a white ethnic group descended mainly from Dutch colonisers, his father was a leading apartheid senator who served briefly as interim president.

He studied law, before being elected to parliament as a member of the National Party that instituted apartheid.

De Klerk then held several ministerial positions before he became present in 1989, a position he held until he handed over the reigns to Mandela after the first democratic elections in 1994.

 

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Rep Oseni Bids Farewell to Oyo Political Stalwart, Adeojo

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A member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman and political icon, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, describing his passing as the end of an era in Oyo State politics.

The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, extolled Adeojo’s lifelong commitment to the advancement of democracy and community development in the state and beyond.

In a statement released through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday, in Ibadan, Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)  expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that Adeojo’s legacy of selfless service, mentorship, and unwavering patriotism will continue to inspire generations of political leaders in the region.

“Alhaji Yekini Adeojo was not only a political leader but also a symbol of courage and unwavering loyalty to the good of Oyo State. His contributions to the socio-political growth of our dear state, especially during the formative years of the Fourth Republic, remain indelible,” he said.

The lawmaker stated that the elder statesman was always full of wisdom and generously offered guidance to younger politicians irrespective of party affiliation.

“His doors were always open. He believed in giving others a sense of belonging. We have lost a father figure,” he added.

The APC chieftain, Oseni, who shares the same Ido Local Government Area as the late Adeojo, extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, the Ibadan community, and the broader political circle in Oyo State, urging them to find solace in his impactful legacy.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Adeojo’s soul and fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.

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Ibadan Businessman, PDP Chieftain, Adeojo, Passes On

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Renowned Ibadan-born businessman and prominent political figure, Chief Yekini Adeojo, has passed away.

Chief Adeojo, a respected elder statesman and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died in the early hours of Friday.

Although the precise circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report, sources indicate that he will be laid to rest later today in accordance with Islamic rites.

Adeojo was a founding member of the PDP and served as the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South). Over the years, he was a key player in Oyo State’s political landscape and had vied for the governorship seat on multiple occasions.

Beyond his political exploits, Chief Adeojo was also a respected voice within the community, known for his philanthropic gestures and deep-rooted influence in both business and religious circles.

He held the traditional title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, a position that amplified his standing among the Muslim faithful.

He is survived by children, among whom is Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, the current Chairman of Ido Local Government Area in Oyo State.

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Rep Oseni Fetes Agbaje on His  Birthday

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The House of Representative member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has felicitated with Barrister Akeem Agbaje, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on his birthday.

Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described the celebrant as a man of integrity and an accomplished legal practitioner whose contributions to politics and governance in the state remain exemplary.

He commended the APC stalwart for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and party development, adding that his leadership qualities and dedication to service had earned him respect across political and professional circles.

“Barrister Akeem Agbaje is a brother and friend whose wisdom, integrity, and passion for public service stand out. He has remained one of the pillars of support for our great party and has consistently championed policies that uplift the people,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker lauded Agbaje’s efforts in mentoring young professionals and supporting initiatives that promote education and youth development, noting that his impact extended beyond politics.

Oseni prayed for his continued success, good health, and prosperity.

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