Tears, Shock As Osun 1st Civilian Gov. Adeleke Dies At 62
Tears and sorrow enveloped Osun State yesterday when the sudden death at 62 years of age of its first civilian governor, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke filtered into people’s hearing.
The Senator currently representing Osun West Senatorial District, was said to have died at Bike private hospital, Osogbo, where he was rushed to in the early hours of Sunday following an unconfirmed heart attack.
The death of Senator Adeleke aka ‘Serubawon the gov” who became the first executive governor of Osun state at age 31 sparked protest from the youths of his country home, Ede and numerous admirers who read political meaning to his death.
His followers besieged the private hospital where he died, his house in Ede and the palace of the Timi of Ede to confirm the demise of their loved one after which youths took to the street of Ede and the express road linking Ede with Osogbo to protest the sudden death.
Thousands of people who besieged the house of the late politician were still expecting its remain in anticipation of burial according to Islamic rites as at press time.
Meanwhile, political parties, corporate bodies and private individuals have started sending condolence messages extolling the virtues of Senator Adeleke.
The All Progressives Congress in Osun through the Directorate of Publicity, Research and Strategy Director, Kunle Oyatom said ‘Our party is in great sadness and shock because this is a monstrous blow to the APC which will be virtually impossible to overcome in the short run.
‘To imagine that the first civilian governor of the state and two term Senator of the National Assembly who was still vibrantly active until Saturday night has suddenly died is the mother of all shocks that anyone can get, and it hurts beyond measure’, the APC lamented.
‘We are momentarily shaken and short of words to respond to this tragic event appropriately, except to advise supporters, friends and family to summon courage, (however hard it may be), to pray for and mourn this fallen hero of Nigerian politics in general and Osun State in particular.
The APC therefore called on all citizens of the citizens of the state irrespective of their political affiliation to show solidarity and empathise with the deceased family and the city of Ede where Senator Adeleke was an icon of monumental proportion.
Also, the Peoples Democratic Party through a statement by its Chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo described the sudden death of Adeleke as shocking and very devastating.
The party therefore declared a 3-day mourning and an immediate suspension of all party activities across the state while the PDP flag will be flown at half mast in honour of the former governor who was once a senator on the platform of the party.
Adagunodo described the senator as a grassroots politician whose impact on the life of the people was noticeable and remarkable.
Hon. Adagunodo said the death of Senator Adeleke in the early hours of today marks the end of an era in the annals of Osun state
“The late senator was unequalled in Charisma, generosity and courage and will be missed across party lines.
“His brief tenure as Osun State Governor witnessed remarkable achievements in all spheres while his subsequent contributions to the development of the state was undeniable.
While condoling with the Adeleke family of Ede and the entire people of Osun state, the state PDP prays that the Almighty Allah will grant eternal rest in Aljanah to the late Asiwaju of Ede and comfort his entire family and associates.
In his message. the Ooni of Ile-Ife,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi lamented the death of Adeleke, Famakinwa and Olumide Bakare and pray God to give Yoruba nation the fortitude to bear the loss.