Olusegun Agagu
Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has declared a seven-day mourning period for the former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who died on Friday. The period of mourning, according to a statement by Mimiko’s media aide, Eni Akinsola, will commence on Monday (today).
The statement read, “The Ondo State Government has declared a 7-day mourning in honour of the late former governor beginning from Monday 16th September.
“It has also ordered that a condolence register be opened at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure; the state’s liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja and the headquarters of the 18 local government areas of the state.
“The governor also called on indigenes and residents of Ondo State to remember the Agagu family in their prayers.”
Mimiko described the late Agagu as an early achiever who scaled dizzying heights in the academic, political and social circles in the country.
He spoke on Sunday during a condolence visit to the Ikoyi home of the deceased.
Mimiko dsecribed the late Agagu as “a very brilliant man who possessed a remarkable ability for hard work which was evident as he gave his best to the state, first as deputy governor (in the old Ondo State) and later, as governor.”
He assured the family of the love and prayers of the people and government of Ondo State at this period and said the government was willing to work with the family towards giving the former governor the befitting burial.
Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi said he was shocked by the death of Agagu.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said the South West, nay Nigeria, had lost one of their most cerebral and intellectual politicians ever.
The Oyo State governor recalled that Agagu left imperishable legacies in Ondo State where he was governor between 2003 and 2007, stating that he was particularly outstanding for the incomparable road infrastructure that he brought to the state.
“Dr. Agagu can never die; when the people tread those roads constructed by his administration in Ondo State, when they pass by those imperishable legacies he left, the foremost geology teacher will live in their hearts and they will confront his great love for the people of the state afresh, even decades to come,” he said.
Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke expressed grief over the sudden and painful death of the former governor of Ondo State.
Imoke, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, described Agagu’s death as painful and recalled his time with the late former governor as Minister of Power. He said Agagu was an “astute administrator, a consummate professional and a team player.”
“It is with a great sense of shock and loss that I received the sad news. Nigeria, Ondo State and the Peoples Democratic Party will definitely miss him, particularly at a time his wealth of experience is needed most,” he said.
Senator Bode Olajumoke also described the death of the ex-governor as a great loss to Nigeria and the people of Ondo State.
In a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, Olajumoke said the PPD had lost a formidable member within its ranks.
“His death has come too soon at 65, and the PDP political family of Ondo State and Nigeria have lost a formidable member, an intellectual and a great tactician and organiser,” he said. He prayed that God would grant his wife and children the fortitude to bear the loss.
Former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni also commiserated with the family of the deceased.
Oni, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said the death of Agagu left him ‘personally hollow and empty.’
He said, “This death has left me personally hollow and empty. I am, indeed, short of words. Right now, all that we can do is to pray for the family.
“It is my prayer that the good Lord will grant the deceased eternal rest and also grant his family, associate, members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State and the entire people of the state the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Ex-Gombe State Governor Danjuma Goje said the death of Agagu shocked him. Goje was Minister of State in the Power and Steel ministry when Agagu was the substantive minister between years 2000 and 2002.
Recent Comments