Adeleke, Babayemi, Oke, other Osun PDP chieftains mourn Bayo Ajeigbe’s death
TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state including Prince Dotun Babayemi and Hon. Wole Oke have described the death of Chief Bayo Ajeigbe, a prominent elder of the party, as a big loss to the PDP and Osun.
They made this known in their separate condolence messages made available to NEWS BOOM on Sunday.
Baba Gomina as Ajeigbe was popularly known, passed away on Sunday in his home in the state.
Adeleke described as shocking and painful the sudden demise of Ajeigbe, saying he had lost a true leader and father.
Paying glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, Adeleke noted that his loss was personal to him going by the late politician’s depth of counsel and guidance for him over the years.
“Rude shock. I am still digesting the news. We were together all through yesterday (Saturday) at Ila Orangun. He was strong and well. To hear his exit just like that is quite shocking.
“For me, the passage of Baba (Chief Ajeigbe) is shattering because the void of his absence is too hard to begin to contemplate. Baba was a strong pillar who let so many us to stand on his shoulders.
“Thanks to Baba’s guidance, people not only dreamed but see them come true as exemplified in my resounding victory in the just held governorship election in Osun State.
“Few people epitomized the father-figure that Baba weighed on people like me, and this is the core attribute that draws many to his side. It never occurred to me that he will be gone so soon because just yesterday, we were together at Ila Orangun for the Fidau prayer of the late IGP of Police and as usual, we discussed a lot of things especially on making an impact on our people when sworn-in into office on November 27 this year.”
While condoling the immediate and extended family of Chief Ajeigbe over his demise, Senator Adeleke observed that as much as the passage was painful, it was “a reminder of the impactful life he led and an impression on us all to ensure the sustenance of the legacy of adding meanings to life that characterised his time here.
“I pray that Almighty God to grant his soul an abode in paradise just as I hope that family left behind are consoled by a life full of impacts that define the late Chief, as they ruminate about this huge loss.”
Also mourning the deceased, a stalwart of the party, Prince Dotun Babayemi, described Ajeigbe’s demise as a big loss to the PDP family and the state in general.
Babayemi while reacting to the death of Ajeigbe through his Media Office, lamented that the news of the passage of the party elder was shocking.
According to him, the deceased would not be forgotten because of his efforts and contributions to the growth of PDP and the development of Osun.
While commiserating with the family of late Ajeigbe, the party and the people of the state, Babayemi noted that the ideals and commitment of the departed PDP leader, would always be remembered
He prayed for the repose of the late Ajeigbe, urging party members and the people of the state to emulate his commitment to the growth of the state.
The lawmaker representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency in the 9th Assembly, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, described Ajeigbe as an exemplary political mentor whose fatherly role will be missed in the arts of Osun politics.
Oke said his sudden demise would create a deep vacuum in the party.
The lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency said, “his death was a rude shock and least expected, especially when his wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom in governance and poli-thinking were most needed.
“The gentleman was a guest at the 40th day Fidau prayer for the former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun in Ila-Orangun on Saturday, full of life, cheerful and animated.
“I lack words to express my grief over the passing to glory of one of our Party Chieftains, Chief Bayo Ajeigbe popularly known as Baba Gomina.”
In his statement at his Abuja residence, Hon. Oke said Baba Ajeigbe was a committed party man, an elder statesman whose exemplary leadership style had touched many lives without leaving a space for doubt in our hearts.
“He was a man of peace, he would always preach peace and find a way of settling rifts and rancour. A dogged apostle of truth, love and unity, deep in culture and traditions of Yoruba. He was endowed with uncommon wisdom and knowledge which he used to mentor those who cast their political tutelage under his political school. He will forever be remembered for being a bridge builder, a solution provider and a dogged fighter.
“Indeed, there is no doubt, PDP Family has lost one of its committed leaders to the cold hands of death.”
Hon. Oke took solace in God for the life well spent by the Ororuwo, Boripe born High Chief, saying, “his imperishable foot prints and legacies would remain indelible in the annals of political history in Osun.”
He prayed that God would give his family and the state Peoples Democratic Party the fortitude to bear the loss.
