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Jonathan, Others Mourn Late Ondo State Former Governor

President Goodluck Jonathan has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of the former Minister of Aviation and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. … Continue reading Jonathan, Others Mourn Late Ondo State Former Governor


Late Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Agagu

President Goodluck Jonathan has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of the former Minister of Aviation and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

A statement by his special assistant on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati said on Saturday.

The statement read “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Dr. Agagu’s family, the government and people of Ondo State, as well as Dr. Agagu’s friends, political associates and colleagues in Ondo State and other parts of the country”.

Jonathan also “joins them in mourning the distinguished academic whose exemplary decorum, poise, urbanity, finesse and loyalty in the conduct of politics will be greatly missed by all, especially his colleagues and associates in the Peoples Democratic Party”.

“As they mourn however, President Jonathan believes that they can take solace in the knowledge that Dr. Agagu has left behind a legacy of notable achievements in his illustrious public service career at the state and federal levels which will stand to his eternal credit and honour”.

He prayed “that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn Dr. Agagu and grant his soul peaceful repose”.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko also expressed great shock and disbelief at the news of the death of former Governor Of the state, Dr Olusegun Agagu.

In a statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Dr Mimiko described the death as “most unfortunate and hard to believe”.

According to him“This news, to say the least, is most shocking and very hard to believe. It is most unfortunate and indeed a great loss.”

Dr Mimiko prayed God to give the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, further described as “regrettable” the death of former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

Amosun expressed shock at the news of the demise of the former Aviation Minister, describing it as a great loss to Nigeria.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, said the death of Dr Olusegun Agagu at the age of 65 was depressing.

“He died at a time when the nation should have benefited more from his wealth of experience as an intellectual, politician and public servant,” Amosun said.

The governor commiserated with the family of the deceased, Government and People of Ondo State and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.

In the same vein, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, noted that the death of the former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu as “tragic and extremely shocking.”

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the death of the former Ondo governor was a “blow below the belt” for the political class in the country.

The governor said Ekiti is sharing in the loss of Agagu who served as Deputy Governor in the old Ondo State of which Ekiti was part before it was created in 1996.

He noted that the death was more painful by the fact that Agagu never showed any sign of ill- health adding that the late governor as a refined politician who carried on with his political activities in and out of office with maturity, candour and grace.

Fayemi said public service had been part of Agagu’s life as the late politician left the classroom as a Geology teacher for the slippery world of politics in his quest to touch the lives of his people.

He said, “Dr. Agagu’s life epitomized service to his people and humanity and he used every opportunity he had to use his intellect, time, energy and resources for the betterment of mankind.

“He served as a very loyal Deputy Governor under our revered father, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua and the legacies of that administration are still there for all to see.

“Dr. Agagu also served his country diligently as Minister of Aviation and Minister of Power and Steel.

“His service as Governor of Ondo State gave him an opportunity to contribute immensely to the development of the Sunshine State in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, security, poverty alleviation among others”.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ekiti State, we send our condolences to government and the good people of  Ondo State who are mourning this great loss and we pray God to grant them and the entire family of the late Governor the fortitude to bear the loss”.