Dr. Wahab Adegbenro, the Commissioner for Health in Ondo State, has died.

Although the cause of his death is yet to be ascertained, there are reports suggesting that he may have died of coronavirus.

In reaction to the news of Dr Adegbenro’s death, the state government said the report was received with a deep sense of sadness.

According to a press statement signed by Donald Ojogo, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr Adegbenro was in the forefront of the State’s battles against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

“Not only did he signpost commitment and diligence; he, indeed, was immeasurable in his inspiration clearly defining himself as an embodiment of selflessness, hard work and inexorable professionalism.

“This is one death too heavy to bear. The excruciating pains the timing has unsparingly, wrought on us in Ondo State are no less potent. To say the least, Dr Adegbenro was our General and died healing others. Having served humanity with the attendant kindness, he played his part honourably,” the statement partly read.

The Ondo State Government said the least it can do for its ‘Medical Hero’ is to plant a seed of honour for him.

Accordingly, the Ondo State Government has directed that all flags in the State must fly at half-mast for 7Days from today Thursday, 2nd of July, 2020.

Similarly, the Ondo State Government has also declared tomorrow Friday 3rd July a work-free day to honour his memory as the family will commit his body to the mother earth.

The state’s communique further noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, will in a short while, commiserate with the family of the deceased as well as the good people of Ondo State, virtually.

Dr. Adegbenro’s death comes two days after the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, confirmed that he has tested positive for the virus and has gone into self-isolation.

Until his death, Adegbenro, a two-time Health Commissioner in the State, equally doubled as Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19.