Eminent political leaders, including, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Ekiti’s first executive governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and others, on Friday, stormed Imesi-Ekiti, in Gbonyin Local Government Area, as the remains of the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotosho were interred in his country home.
Omotosho, 60, former commissioner in three different ministries in the state and one time APC state secretary, died on March 5, as a result of a brief illness.
His remains were later buried at his residence along Ikare Road in Imesi Ekiti, after a burial service held in his honour at Saint James Anglican Church.
At the church service, President Tnubu, in his condolence message read by his Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Hon Ibrahim Olanrewaju, described Omotosho as a consummate politician, who served Ekiti and Nigeria zealously in his life time.
The President stated that the deceased demonstrated high sense of loyalty and industry to Ekiti cause and performed creditably well in the tasks he was saddled with.
This, the President stated remained the most credible consolation for all Ekiti indigenes.
“As much as I agree that the death of Barrister Paul Omotosho was a painful exit, we have to be consoled by the fact that he served well as chairman of our great party, secretary and as a commissioner. His footprints were there for everyone to see.
“May the good Lord grant his family and the good people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss”, Tinubu prayed.
Governor Oyebanji in his remarks during the service said death was not the end of life, but a mere physical separation of soul from the body.
Oyebanji stated that the party and Omotoso’s admirers would never forget him for being the first state chairman to produce two governors back to back, describing the feat as wondrous and enigmatic in the political history of progressives in Ekiti.
The governor commended the deceased for giving his best to the state in every sphere he found himself, saying this was one of the best ways to keep his memory alive.
As a mark of honour for the deceased, Oyebanji donated a sum of N5 million to the church on behalf of the family, while also announcing a donation of one million naira each on behalf of Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former governor, Kayode Fayemi and former governor, Niyi Adebayo to the church.
“We will make sure that we immortalise him as a government .We won’t forget him so soon, because he did well for our state and humanity.
“I appeal to the family to be strong as only God can comfort you. The good deeds your father had done were enough to make you live a good life after him”, Governor Oyebanji added.
In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Olusola Ajayi , appealed to Nigerian citizens to be circumspect of death that would come to both the rich and poor at the appointed time, by shunning corrupt practices and other devious acts that were common to humanity.
The bishop stated that the aggregate of the accounts of testimonies given by people about Omotosho buttressed the fact that he had lived a fulfilled and impactful life, saying this substantiated that humanity could still make good exploits within a short time of his sojourn on earth.
“We are strangers in this world and you have to determine whom you have chosen to follow, either God or the devil? Run away from sins and hold the pillar of Christ that can be your best refuge when you leave this world.
“Paul Omotosho had given his best in his service to God and humanity, what is next for him is judgement. You need to ask yourselves, where am I going after living this world, heaven or hell? Think about this and make the right decision today for your days to be glorious on earth and in heaven”, Bishop Ajayi charged.
Other prominent political figures at the church service included Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Senator Cyril Fasuyi; House of Representatives members, Hons Sola Fatoba Kolawole Akinlayo and Femi Bamisile; Amb Eniola Ajayi, and Senator Dayo Adeyeye.
Others were Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Hon Ibrahim Olanrewaju; Hon. Bimbo Daramola, serving and former commissioners; serving and former local government chairmen; directors- general of commissions and agencies; APC state chairmen from Lagos, Benue, and Adamawa, and notable politicians among others.
