NUJ Condoles Makinde Over Commissioner’s Death

The Oyo State Chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde on the death of the state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola.
The two bodies, in their separate statements, made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan, described Ayoola’s death as untimely and shocking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayoola, a former Speaker of the State Assembly, died during a brief illness.
The ALGON, in its statement signed by the Chairman, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, described the death of Ayoola as “too shocking to believe.
“What an unexpected transition of a complete gentleman, intellectual in politics, role model and bridge builder, who saw his participation in politics as a selfless service to advance the cause of humanity.
“As a speaker then, he brought elegance, purposefulness and sense of duty into the House of Assembly, in terms of debates, public interest bills and oversight functions.
“The late Ayoola maintained elegance in politics, with eyes on his goals rather than being crude or belligerent.
“He went for politics of issues, development, friendship and unity in diversity,” the statement said.
ALGON further said that the late commissioner was never a street fighter for power or ambition, but a cerebral promoter of politics without bitterness, with the masses at the centre-piece of his political philosophy.
“Even when he disagreed with you or erred on any issue, you would know that he was being human and that he meant no harm.
“The late Ayoola was the most-recognised intellectual face of the Seyi Makinde-led government, with experience, dynamism and charisma.
“We commiserate with the Oyo State Government, the family and friends of the deceased and all the good people of our pacesetter state.
“We all should take solace in the fact that life is not measured by his duration only but also, by its donation. By donating his life for common good, Ayoola’s life, although short, was long in indelible service to the people of Oyo State.
“He shall be greatly missed and remembered.”
Also, the NUJ, in its statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Ademola Babalola and the Secretary, Sola Oladapo, described Ayoola’s death as shocking.
The union urged the governor to take heart and be consoled by the fact that the late former speaker lived a life worthy of emulation.
According to NUJ, “Ayoola was a vibrant, enigmatic, resourceful, diligent and cerebral politician whose demise is death too many for the pacesetter state.
“He will be sorely missed as a member of Makinde’s think- tank. He was a fine gentleman and encyclopedia of Oyo politics since the reign of the late Chief Bola Ige.”
NUJ condoled with the governor, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, family, friends and political associates of the late commissioner, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.