Gov Oyebanji, PDP, others mourn over death of Ekiti APC chairman

The passing of Paul Omotosho, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has elicited mourning from notable figures including the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and former presidential aide Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Omotosho, aged 61 and hailing from Imesi-Ekiti, had served as the chairman of the APC in the state since 2018. He succumbed to a brief illness late on Tuesday.

Confirming the chairman’s demise, Segun Dipe, the Publicity Secretary of the party, revealed that Omotosho, a lawyer, had been in his office until around 4 pm on Tuesday when he began experiencing fatigue and slight fever.

He said, “ Barrister Omotosho was still actively present in the office yesterday (Tuesday) till the close of work. His death could not be immediately traced to any known sickness. He however complained of fatigue and slight fever at about 4 pm and opted to go home to rest. He was to be rushed to the hospital later at about 7 pm when the pain increased but gave up the ghost after.

“He will be remembered for the positive contributions he made to the party, especially during his tenure as the Chairman from 2018 till he breathed his last. He ran the affairs of the party commendably with consecutive victories at the poll.”

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode who expressed shock over the death of the party chairman, said he would be eternally remembered as the first party chairman in the state to achieve a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State.

Oyebanji said the deceased’s selflessness and sacrifices contributed to the internal cohesion which made the Ekiti APC, “an unstoppable election-winning machine in local government, state and national elections conducted during his chairmanship.”

“This was made possible by Omotoso’s administrative acumen, diligence, maturity, managerial and diplomatic skills as well as conflict resolution ingenuity which he deployed in managing the affairs of the party and its teeming members.

In the same vein, the former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Ojudu in a statement described late Omotosho as a dedicated leader and a pillar of strength in the state.

Ojudu said, “ Mr. Omotoso’s contributions to the APC and the people of Ekiti State will always be remembered and cherished. His unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and social justice has left an indelible mark on our party and the community at large.

Also, the leader of the senate, Senator Bamidele in a statement from his media office, said the death of the party chairman was shocking and devastating , noting that a great political void had been created in the state following his sudden demise.

According to him, “His previous tenures as a former State Commissioner, former State Secretary of our great political party and State Chairmanship which he held until his death were testimonies of his clear direction as a leader and his servant-leader dispositions.

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Also, the former governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by the head of his media office, Ahmad Sajoh, described the late Omotosho as a tireless leader and steadfast supporter of the APC’s principles and agenda in Ekiti State.

Fayemi said, “Under his stewardship, our party achieved significant victories in recent elections, gaining the trust of our people. This would not have been possible without his commitment to uniting our members and working selflessly for the greater good of our state and nation.

“Omotosho’s contributions and sacrifices for our party will never be forgotten. He was a man of integrity who led by example, inspiring the party faithful with his passion for service and dedication. His leadership kept us united and focused on our mission even in the face of challenges.
‘’Ekiti State and the APC have lost a pillar, a grassroots mobilizer, and a committed leader. We mourn this devastating loss, but we take solace in the lasting legacy and sterling example he leaves behind.”

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said the death of the APC chairman was a rude shock, adding that he was a patriotic politician committed to the development of Ekiti state.

The state publicity secretary of PDP, Raphael Adeyanju commiserated with his family, APC, the state government and the people of the state, “over the untimely demise of a promising Ekiti State son.”

PDP said,” He was a patriot who placed the interest of Ekiti State above partisan politics, his death is a great loss not only to the ruling party but to Nigeria as a country.

“Our only consolation is that the late APC leader lived a fulfilled life as a God-fearing man, a responsible family man, a dedicated community leader, and a committed party man.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE