Aare Musulumi Condoles with Makinde, Alaafin over Commissioner’s Death

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May 15, 2020

Alhaji Makanjuola also commiserates with former Lagos Commissioner

The Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta States, Alh. Dawud Makanjuola Akinola(De-Damak) has condoled with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Government of Oyo State and the citizens, over the death of the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Kehinde Ayoola

In a letter addressed to the Executive Governor Seyi Makinde, the Aare Musulumi described the late Ayoola as a dependable aide and a quintessential gentleman whose exemplary characters and loyalty remain indelible and will no doubt, create a big vacuum in the present administration in Oyo State.

Part of letter reads:

“The news of his death was indeed a rude shock and saddening to me and I know will also be to the people of Oyo State, Oyo town as well as Ikú Bàbá Yèyé the Alaafin of Oyo, whom I also use this medium to commiserate with”

“I thank the Almighty Allah for his fruitful life, a brilliant example for upcoming youths aspiring to become exemplary leaders.I pray Allah to repose his soul in eternal bliss and grant his family comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. (Aameen).”

In another separate letter, the Aare Musulumi also commiserated with former Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, Alh (Dr.) AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, who lost his mother Alhaja Risikat Balogun, on Thursday, 14th May, 2020 after a protracted illness.

Makanjuola described Alhaja Risikat Balogun as a pious Muslim and a wonderful mother with wholesome dedication to the course of Islam and service to Allah. He prayed that Allah Grants the deceased the best place in Aljannah Firdaus.

Relief as Oyo Discharges 11 COVID-19 patients. Patients Appreciate Gov. Makinde

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

32 patients now on admission, says govt

Eleven more coronavirus patients were discharged in Oyo State on Friday, the state government announced. The patients, three females and eight males, of which eight were Northerners who came into the state from Sokoto axis. They were all discharged from the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo -Ibadan after they tested negative to COVID-19 twice.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted a member of Oyo State Task Force on COVID-19 and former Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge, as saying that after the discharge of the 11 cases, the Centre now had 32 patients, and that all but one, were in stable condition.

The statement added that of the 11 persons discharged at the Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, Ibadan, three were females and eight were males.

According to Alonge, eight of the discharged persons were the Northerners who came from Sokoto axis.

He said: “We all must have behind our minds that this novel coronavirus, even though it belongs to a particular family, is not in any way similar to the HIV virus, meaning that it does not reside in you forever as it were. It has a span of time that it stays and your body’s immune system is built up enough to be able to get rid of it and you come back to normal.

“But, of course, if at the time you have a high load of the virus, you happen to have some other co-morbidities or you are under some treatment that reduces your immunity, then you can have a full flare. So, it is not like the HIV virus that you have to use medications to suppress or reduce their effects.

“When patients come down and they are tested as positive, it means the load of the virus is enough to make them feel sickly. When they are in isolation, what we do is to boost their immunity. There are so many regimens in the world that are being tried and used but here, our patients have stuck to a very simple regimen. They all have 500mg of azithromycin daily for three days. They also have zinc on a daily basis. 2gram of Vitamin C, Chloroquine 500mg and 250mg for another three days.

“We are privileged to have linked up with our colleagues in UCH, who have been exceptionally wonderful. So, we are not only looking at their symptoms but also the viral load and their CT. But the value of the CT is also in correlation with the value of the viral load. The higher the viral load, the lower the CT value.”

The ex-CMD maintained that there were now 32 active patients at the Infectious Disease Centre, noting that all of them except one were in stable condition.

“We have 32 (patients). All of them are very stable. We only have one of them who has a comorbid issue and, as I speak, one of our senior consultants from the University College Hospital is attending to him. Also, another consultant in the Psychiatry Department will come and counsel this particular client on the use of medications, because we found out that he was using too many medications that can be injurious to his health.

“Apart from that, everybody is fine. We even have a family here; father, mother, and children and they are doing exceptionally well.

“Eight of those cases discharged are the Northerners who came from the Sokoto axis. Since they are now negative, they want to go back to Sokoto.”

Speaking earlier, one of the discharged persons (names withheld), who spoke on behalf of the other patients, appreciated the state government, the governor and the medical personnel at the Centre.

She said: “On behalf of all of us here who are COVID-19 patients, we want to appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde. We pray that God will reward him.

“We experienced good care. They took us as their sisters and brothers. They did not stigmatise us. So, we really appreciate all the doctors and nurses. We really appreciate the Oyo State government.”

When asked what her experience was while in isolation, she maintained she and most of those in the Centre were asymptomatic, saying: “I did not show any symptoms. I just went for the test voluntarily. So, after nine days, they called me that the test came out positive and I was asked to come to the isolation centre to quarantine myself.

“The test was conducted on me on the 22nd of April at Etiosa Local Government, but I was already in Ibadan when they told me the result and I was asked to go into isolation in Ibadan because there was no isolation centre in Lagos again.”

PHOTOS: Oyo Deputy Governor leads Govt Delegation to Condole with Ayoola’s Family

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, earlier on Friday, led Oyo State Government delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola.

In the condolence register, Engr. Olaniyan wrote “Ayoola will be greatly missed, we pray God will grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss”. @ Ibadan, Nigeria

Oyo Govt Honours late Commissioner, Orders State Flag to Fly at Half-mast

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

…Deputy Gov leads government delegation to family

The Oyo State Government, on Friday, honoured the late Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, by flying its flag at half-mast.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, gave the directive on behalf of the governor.

The statement further indicated that all state activities were at low-key as a mark of honour to the departed Commissioner.

Ayoola was sworn-in as Commissioner on August 14, 2019 and was thereafter deployed to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, where he led the charge for the implementation of the new environment architecture and green initiative.

The Ministry had only recently kickstarted the reconstruction of key dumpsites in the state to pave the way for weighbridges and the Waste-to-Wealth initiative, which was initially scheduled for inauguration as part of the government’s first anniversary.

Also on Friday, a delegation of the state government led by the deputy governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, paid condolence visit to the family of the deceased Commissioner.

The delegation was received by the deceased’s wife, Professor Olukemi Ayoola.

The statement indicated that the deputy governor described the demise of Ayoola as “unexpected and a great loss of an active player in the Governor Makinde-led administration in Oyo State.”

He added that “the late Ayoola was never a dormant member of the state executive but a resourceful and active contributor during state executive meetings.”

Olaniyan also lamented that Ayoola died when Governor Makinde and his team were trying to reshape and reset Oyo State from where they met it.

According to him, the late Commissioner “came, saw and conquered by playing his own role in reshaping the state.”

He asked the wife, the children and the entire family to accept the heartfelt sympathy of the state cabinet and the people of Oyo State.

A son of the deceased, Beel’Oluwawi, who responded on behalf of the family, thanked the government delegation for the visit.

Those on the delegation include the SSG, Mrs. Adeosun, Head of Service, Mrs Amidat Agboola, Director-General of Due Process Office, Ms. Tara Adefope and the Commissioner for Education, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, among others.

The late Ayoola was born at Apaara Quarters, Oyo town in January 1965 and attended St. Michael’s Primary School, Oke Ebo, Oyo, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo and the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile-Ife, in Osun.

He served as the Speaker of the 4th Session of the Oyo State House of Assembly, during the administration of Alhaji Lam Adesina administration.

TAMPAN appoints Fokoko, Foluke Daramola, Akintayo as Presidential Aides

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The National Executive Council (NEC) of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has approved the appointments of three creative personalities for its President and his Deputy during their meeting held online on Wednesday.

The appointees are Alhaji Babatunde Bamgbode (Fokoko) as Senior Special Adviser on TAMPAN Elder’s Matters; Mrs. Foluke Daramola-Salako as Senior Special Adviser on Welfare & Developmental Matters and a broadcaster, Alhaji Waheed Akintayo (Ilumoka Presenter) who was formerly Senior Special Assistant on Media as Senior Special Adviser on Media & Strategic Communication to the president.

The release signed by TAMPAN’s National Director, Research and Documentation, Yemi Amodu stated that their appointments take immediate effect.

TRIBUTE: Ayoola was Accessible, Altruistic and Straightforward ||Sola Kolawole

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

By Sola Kola Kolawole Onikoyi

It is over 24 hours and am still here struggling to accept the reality of the sudden demise of Egbon Kehinde as some of us call him. Sometimes in this vain life, we take so many things for granted including relationships.

Some few days after he became Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources last August, he scheduled a meeting for a Monday at 8am. If you have been around Political Office holders, you will know that they don’t get to work that early talkless of scheduling a meeting for such time. It is almost 9 months and I kept postponing that meeting because of other commitments.

In my mind, I felt Egbon was accessible and I could always walk over to his office whenever I am in Ibadan. I took that rear privilege for granted. I felt our regular chats on WhatsApp was ok and he will always ask, ‘Sola, where are you?’ My response most times was, ‘I will be back in Ibadan next week.’

In 2017, before crossing over to the PDP, Egbon almost dragged me back to active partisan politics. He suggested I consider recontesting my Federal Constituency seat. At that time, I was focused on something else. My preoccupation was T.R.E.E. Initiative and Agriculture.

Rt. Hon. Olatunji K Ayoola JP meant different things to different people. He was firm, consistent, stoic and resolute. You can easily know where he stands in any conversation and one thing I like about him is his bluntness. He doesn’t play to the gallery. Unlike most Nigerian leaders, he was clear and forthright.

His death at 55 is a rude reminder that life is short. We don’t have all the time to do what we have to do.

Egbon gave his all to the Omituntun Campaign which eventually ushered in Governor Seyi Makinde and no one can fault his loyalty to GSM’s ambition.

I have argued a few times that he would have been more useful as Scribe to the State Government instead of Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources given his exposure to public governance and the workings of government; his political pedigree as a grassrooter and natural competence as well as his understanding of the different blocks in the Oyo political matrix.

I wish I could touch more areas in this tribute but he is gone now and he has left us with some lessons to reflect on. Deep lessons for us to learn from.

Political Office holders and leaders have a lot to learn from this Egbon in terms of accessibility and devotion. He was peaceful but not weak.

I know some of our friends who are no longer accessible because of their transient political appointments and financial status. Some no longer pick or return calls or SMS not to talk of chats. They are now flexing at the top.

The temporal deceptive feel of overinflated superiority can be dangerous most times especially when you stumble on power by accident or by mere mortal calculations.

Of what good is power without constructive impact?

For me, I consider people influential only if they can still get things done without occupying space in Government. There are many people in Government that are not useful to say the least.

Only a few in our generation can boost that political access or politics for them is not all about status and pecuniary gains.

Egbon Kehinde was altruistic and straightforward. He will be remembered for doing his bit for our dear State and adding value to those around him irrespective of their background.

He was a distinguish Olivetian. He was also a major pillar of support when we floated #fundLAUTECH. In fact, he facilitated the donation made by GSM to our cause in 2017. His works will live after him.

Adieu Egbon.

See you at the pearly gates of heaven.

*Sola Kolawole Onikoyi is an Agriculturist and Public Affairs Commentator

COVID-19: Alumni Donates N5m Research Grant to UNIUYO, Pharmaceutical Society

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The Uniuyo Alumni Association has donated the sum of Five million Naira (5,000,000) to the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (Akwa Ibom State Council) and the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, to support research towards finding a cure against the Novel Coronavirus.

The International President of the Association, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke who made the donation on behalf of the Association noted that universities around the world are working tirelessly as well as sharing information to bring an end to the Pandemic and there was a need for the institution to do same. He expressed optimism that in the ways and manners of God, the one true cure of this global pandemic could be found in Akwa Ibom state and harnessed in the laboratories of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Uyo.

“This particular strain of the virus was unknown to man but now it is here. Our researchers and research institutions need to rise to the occasion in challenging this Pandemic that threatens our collective existence…let us not think that the cure to Coronavirus will come or can only come from abroad, it may be right here with us in Akwa Ibom and it is in your hands to bring it forth” he said.

He further charged them to put in their best and ensure appropriate use of the funds while reassuring them of the support of the entire Alumni.

Receiving the grant, Dean of Pharmacy, Pharm. Emmanuel I. Etim Ph.D, thanked the Alumni for the very thoughtful initiative. He applauded the Onofiok Luke Led Alumni for it’s show of solidarity while acknowledging that the desire for scientific work was always there but was hampered by the paucity of funds. He pledged that the funds will be used judiciously.

Responding, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Akwaowoh Akpabio appreciated the gesture and prayed God’s wisdom on the leadership of the Alumni.

The event which held at the Dean’s Conference room, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of uyo, had in attendance the members of Exco, Dean of Pharmacy, Dr. Emmanuel I. Etim, Chairman PSN, Pharm. Akwaowoh Akpabio, Deputy President of the Alumni, Dr. Godwin Akpan, Alumni secretary and Vice Dean of Student’s Affairs, Dr. Essien Akpan Uko and other members of the Alumni EXCO.

Oyo Govt flags off ‘Operation Zero Potholes’ in Ibadan

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The Oyo State Government has flagged off ‘Operation Zero Potholes’ within the state capital, Ibadan.

Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism shared the information on its official facebook page. The information as obtained by the Pacesetter News reads:

“1st Phase of “Operation zero-potholes in Oyo State” commences within Ibadan metropolis as earlier announced by the State Government.

Work to commence on other parts of the State shortly.

Below are roads to be worked on in the 1st phase;

OLD SDP ROAD (BYPASS OLD IFE & NEW ROAD)

ASHI – BODIJA OJURIN ROAD

AWOLOWO AVENUE BODIJA – SANGO ELEWURE JUNCTION

JERICHO ROUNDABOUT – ELEYELE – SANGO ROAD

MOKOLA – SANGO – UI ROAD

MOKOLA – SABO – AGBARIGO – ONIREKE ROAD

IWO ROAD INTERCHANGE – MONOTAN – OLODO ROAD

LABO – ELETA – OLOMI ROAD

BEERE – YEMETU – TOTAL GARDEN.

More details to follow as the work progresses @ Ibadan, Nigeria”

Tribute on Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment ~By Rahaman Onike

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The news of sudden death of Honourable Kehinde Olatunji Ayoola came to the entire cabinet of the Oyo State Government and the good people of the state with a rude shock early hours of Thursday, May 14. I wept profusely like a baby when family source broke this sad news to me. It was so shocking that I could not control my emotion to have suddenly lost a highly cerebral, versatile, and patriotic citizen at his prime age.

Given his pedigree and current position as the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, the office occupied by him since 18th September 2019, his death remains a colossal loss and inescapable reality to family, friends, and the good people of Oyo State. Out of the entire cabinet members of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, was not just cynosure of all eyes, but he was uniquely a major engine that drives the administration’s policy directives, programs, and strategic plans.

Hon. Kehinde Ayoola was not a political upstart, he has been into political activism since the 1980s before he joined active politics in 1999 when he contested and won election into membership of Oyo State House of Assembly. When the House was inaugurated, Hon. Ayoola served as the first speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly during that political dispensation. Our path crossed for the first time when we both served on the think tank committee when Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, the former Commissioner for Works and Transport was contesting for Chairmanship election under Zero party system in 1993.

We became intimate friends since he joined on our political group, Action 99, the platform on which he rode to secure ticket under the Alliance For Democracy (AD) when he was contesting for membership of the Oyo State House of Assembly. It is not an overstatement that late Kehinde Ayoola was a rare gem. Right from his secondary school days at the Olivet Baptist High School, (1977-1982), Great Zuma, as he was fondly called by mates in secondary school was a genius based on any definition of the word genius apart from his rare oratory skill. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed in his tribute that “Kehinde Ayoola was a loyal friend with a dedication to duty that cannot be questioned. In his own exact words, Engr. Seyi Makinde declared that the deceased will call sorely missed for his great oratory skills and his love for the people of Oyo town and Oyo state”.

For whoever is familiar with his academic records when he was in the secondary school would not be surprised by his excellent rhetorical communication skills. Throughout his days in Secondary school, he received the best performance prizes in English Language and Literature in English despite the fact that he was in science class.

For the purpose of insight, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola was born at Apaara Compound, Oyo East Local Government Area of Oyo State on January 14, 1965. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka(15th October 1983-17th November 1984). He left Nsukka for Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where he studied Animal Science (1984-1989) and graduated with second class honors. He also pursued his master’s degree in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and specialized in Environmental Control and Management at the University’s Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies.

Before he got the state appointment, Hon. Ayoola has been a great entrepreneur. He was the former Chief Executive Officer, Aurum National Resources Ltd Ibadan and he was the Managing Director, Friendsphere Agro-Environmental Ltd.

When he was in the University, he was an athlete and commander of the Man ‘O War. His antecedent as a political strategist and tactician was attested to by Governor Seyi Makinde in his tribute where-in it was stated that Kehinde Ayoola got connected to him in 2002 when they both served as members of the Fortune Group for the election of Senator Rasheed Ladoja. He also served as the Director-General for his 2015 campaign and Deputy Director for his 2019 campaign. Of course, he was once served as the National Financial Secretary, Social Democratic Party(SDP) before he defected to his current party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

One aspect of Ayoola’s life is that he was a prolific writer and this has really contributed to his large following on social media particularly Facebook. If not for his sudden death, he was planning to complete and do a public presentation of the two books, he was working on. One is more or less a story book and in writing the book, he tilts towards a genre called ‘faction'(a mixture of facts and fiction). The other manuscript he was working on which his sudden death could not allow him to complete is semi-autobiography as described by him.

Late Ayoola was a full member of several professional bodies and affiliate members, the Association of Environmental Impact Assessment of Nigeria (AEIAN).

In terms of social life, Hon. Ayoola was a lifelong supporter of the 3CE Football Club of Ibadan and was equally an ardent fan of the Arsenal Football Club of England. Apart from his attribute of intellection, he was a pastor at the New Covenant Church, Apata, Ibadan.

He got married to Olukemi an Associate Professor of Agronomy at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Ayoola on September 21, 1996 and the family is blessed with two children. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

RAHAMAN ONIKE is a Public Affairs Analyst from Oyo, Oyo State

KEHINDE AYOOLA: LIKE A CANDLE IN THE WIND

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

By Prince Adetayo Adekunle, M.SC, MCPA.

It was Calpurnia, a major character/wife of the tragic hero in the celebrated magnum opus authored by Williams Shakespeare titled the Tragedy of Julius Caesar, who asserted that “when beggars die there are no comets seen; but the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

The foregoing summarizes the unfortunate demise of the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Olatunji Akanbi Ayoola JP, M.SC, MHA.

Born on January 14, 1965, the deceased who hailed from Ile-Jagun in Apaara, Ward 04, Oyo East Local Government Area of Oyo State breathed his last on May 14, 2020. He was married to a Professor of Agronomy with children.

While this tribute is not exhaustive, I promise to write more about our relationship when my bleeding heart fully heals. But for now this should suffice.

Even though I had a relationship that spanned less than twenty years with the deceased but it appeared as if we had known each other from the point of creation. I was exceptionally close to him and I was privy to almost everything about him including his medical records, education, political aspirations and family objectives.

Ayoola meant many things to many people and is seen in different light by them all. For me, he was my mentor, my teacher, my friend, my brother, my confidant, my ally and buddy under whose tutelage I cut my political teeth.

Politically, the late Ayoola gave me exposure of the highest order. I recall how he took my brother and I to a meeting in the popular Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja well over a decade ago. At that meeting, we rubbed shoulders freely with Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Matthew Mbu, the late Dr. Dejo Raimi of Oyo State, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, Alex Kalejaiye (now APC Publicity Secretary in Ondo) and a host of others. He taught me how to setup a campaign structures, write press statements and draw organogram of organizations. Through his benevolence, I was privileged to study the Western Region House of Assembly Hansard where I read, in details, the verbatim debates of the Great Awolowo, Fani-Kayode, SL Akintola and a host of others. That book greatly improved my oratory skills. Through Hon Ayoola, I met a good number of politicians like Professor Soji Adejumo, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, former Speaker Rt. Hon Mikhail Alarape, Olusola Oke SAN, Otun Olubadan Oloye Lekan Balogun, the kindhearted businessman, Alhaji Tunde Ologburo and a host of others.

May I also add that Hon. Ayoola played a notable role in my academic career. God used him to enable me access University education after many unsuccessful admission attempts. He visited me in class about five times just to encourage me. We bought his M.SC form and filled it together and I accompanied him to Ilora, Afijio LGA on many occasions for his project work in the year 2013.
Two months ago, he informed me of his desire to apply for PhD in Environmental Conflict Management at UI. Alas, man proposes but God disposes!

Lest I forget, Hon. Ayoola was the Chairman of my eldest brother’s wedding reception almost a decade ago. We started the programme and ended it together. He facilitated my brother and I’s attendance at many crucial meetings well over our age and paygrade. He was there for us in our high and low moments.

During his lifetime, I called him Boda Kehinde, Uncle K, Husband of the Professor and more recently, “Baale Kole-KoDoti” when he became Commissioner for Environment. Anytime I called him, Baale Kole-Kodoti he would say “that’s my job”. Anyway, I eventually changed it to Baale Onimototo two months after.

I have been receiving condolence messages from far and near. While the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde described him as a dependable friend, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Munta Ladipo Abimbola who is a friend of his eldest brother described him as a great man whose loss was huge. His friend of close to forty years who is the Secretary General of the ECOWAS Commission likened his death to the exit of a titan.

Hon Ayoola was, at various times, Speaker/Member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Member of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission, Member of the Governing Board of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba, SDP Financial Secretary amongst many other positions. He was a preacher of the gospel at the New Covenant Church and a mentor to many online and offline.

May God grant a repose of his soul in Jesus name amen. Goodnight my sweet brother.

Adekunle, a public affairs commentator and family friend of the deceased, sent this piece from Ibadan. He can be reached via adekunleadetayo@gmail.com

Senator Buhari, Oyo Speaker React to the Death of Ayoola

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Dr. AbdulFatai Buhari has joined the people of State in mourning the death of Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, who was the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources until his demise on Thursday.

Senator Buhari in a statement, lamented that Hon. Ayoola died at a time when his professionalism and experience are required in the governance of Oyo State. He said Governor Seyi Makinde has indeed lost a competent, trusted, loyal and strong right-hand man.

In a similar vein, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin also expressed grief over the death of of former speaker Kehinde Ayoola.

Hon. Ogundoyin described the late Ayoola as a hardworking man with selfless personality, who always offered his time, expertise and resources when needed.

“The death of Ayoola came as a rude shock. He would be greatly missed as he was a committed and strategic member of the Governor Seyi Makinde’s Oyo development team”.

Folarin Mourns Commissioner Ayoola. Condoles with people of Oyo State

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

Former Senate Leader, Senator Kolawole Teslim Folarin, has mourned the passage of the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, describing him as a refined politician and one of the best brains in Oyo State.

The Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District in a statement he personally signed and made available to the Pacesetter News, said the death of Ayoola is a big blow to the ancient town of Oyo, Oyo state and the nation at large.

“We cannot question the will of the Almighty God besides the fact that death is a necessary end that must come when it shall, but Hon. Ayoola’s death at this time is akin to one death that is more than a thousand fell in a pogrom.”

The former Senate Leader, however, urged the bereaved families, the government and people of Oyo State to take solace in the fact that Hon. Ayoola left an enviable legacy of professionalism, excellent service delivery and integrity anyone will be proud of.

Commissioner Ayoola’s Death is One Loss Too Many – Oyo PDP

By

Peter Ayoade

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May 15, 2020

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State describes the death of the Commissioner for Environments and Natural Resources of Oyo State, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, as a rude shock, depressing and saddening.

The party said Hon. Ayoola was a gallant soldier, dedicated and loyal party faithful, and a humane fellow to all that encountered him while he was alive.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji, PDP said “Just when the PDP family in Oyo state was trying hard to get over the demise of late Chief Richard Akinjide at a ripe old age, who was one of the party’s founders and a foremost legal luminary in Nigeria, death struck again taking away one of the finest politician the state has produced”.

“We as a political party are in deep sober and mourning mood because late Hon Ayoola left us when his wealth of experience and versatility are greatly needed as the Governor continues to chart a new course for the state economic growth and development within the ambient of very scarce resources”.

The ruling PDP stressed that the intelligence and intellectual prowess of late Hon Ayoola led to his emergence as the first Speaker of Oyo state House of Assembly after the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999.

“He continued to fill one exalted public and party office within and outside the state including working with Engr Seyi Makinde as the Deputy Director General Seyi Makinde Campaign Organization prior to the 2019 governorship election in the state”.

“Late Kehinde Ayoola was always keenly interested in the development and progress of Oyo state without prejudice or discrimination of any kind. He was always calm, friendly, and a good listener which are parts of the qualities that endeared him to so many politicians across party lines”.

“We are deeply sad and words could never be able to express the pain PDP family is going through across the length and breadth of Oyo state because his skills and qualities will be sorely missed forever, obviously his death justifies a philosophical saying that the wealthiest place on earth is the graveyard”

The party commiserated with the family of late Kehinde Ayoola, his wife and children, and prayed that God in His infinite mercies grant them fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. The commiseration was also extended to with the Governor Seyi Makinde; the party prayed that the Lord strengthens him and grant him the willpower to manage the emotional pain the demise of his loyal and dedicated friend has brought.