Obasanjo, PDP leaders commiserate with Oyo Governor over demise of sibling

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday visited Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to commiserate with him over the passing of his brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde. Obasanjo urged the governor to take heart and remain strong during this difficult time.

Obasanjo, who arrived at the governor’s Ikolaba residence around 7:20 a.m., was accompanied by the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Simeon Ehui, and his team. He expressed his condolences to Makinde and his family.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the former president also extended his sympathies to the Makinde family.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), led by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, also expressed condolences to the governor, noting that the deceased lived a fulfilled life, leaving behind successful siblings, including Governor Makinde.

Arapaja said, “The purpose of this visit is to commiserate with our leader, a major stakeholder of our party, on the death of his brother. There is nothing anybody can do. The solace we have is that the man lived a fulfilled life and is survived by good people like Governor Makinde.

“It has happened, and it is a debt that everybody will pay because it is inevitable. From God we have come, and to Him, we will return. The only thing we can do for the soul of the deceased is to pray to God to grant him eternal rest and give the family the strength to bear the loss.”

The PDP NWC members in attendance included National Secretary Rt. Hon. SKE Udeokoye, National Publicity Secretary Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Vice Chairman (South-East) High Chief Ali Odefa, Mr. Daniel Wuyigikoro, and Mrs. Amina Darisam.

Service chiefs in Oyo State, led by Special Adviser on Security, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (rtd), encouraged the governor to find solace in God and in the fact that his brother lived a meaningful life.

The Board of Odu’a Investment Company, led by Chairman Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, also visited Governor Makinde. They noted the importance of having people around him at this time and commended him for attracting investments and creating a favorable business environment in Oyo State.

Others who visited the governor on Thursday included the Board of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, led by its Chairman, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd); South-West PDP Women Leader, Alhaja Bosede Adedibu; the Sarkin Sasa and Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers and Chiefs in 17 Southern States, Alhaji Haruna Maiyasin (CON); and some members of the Omituntun Oke Ogun group, led by the Chairman of Oyo AANFE, Mr. Ayo Olopoenia.