WorldStage Newsonline– Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji is still shocked over the death of the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotoso, who passed on Tuesday night.
The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was shocked and devastated by the news of the demise of the party chairman because he did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.
Governor Oyebanji who said he is yet to come to terms with the demise of the APC chairman, described Omotoso as a dependable brother and ally, who was a great and invaluable asset to the APC family as well as the government.
According to him, Omotoso 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.
Governor 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, he said, 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.
The Governor noted that Omotoso was a man of impact endowed with wisdom which he brought to bear in party and state matters as he was always ready to offer his wise counsel at critical points when such was needed.
The state helmsman noted that Omotoso excelled in the previous public offices he held including Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Commissioner for Environment and Commissioner for Special Duties.
Governor Oyebanji added that the deceased’s stellar performance as the APC State Secretary contributed immensely to his emergence as the State Chairman for two terms noting that these speak volumes about his loyalty, commitment, integrity and competence.
“We have lost a dependable pillar in Ekiti development and partner in our development effort as a government. We have lost a great leader, a peacemaker, a humble servant of the people and an altruistic party Organiser.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late Chaman and the people of Imesi Ekiti and the entire members of APC.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. May God grant them and everyone of us the fortitude to bear this great loss.And may God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest”, the statement added.
FAYEMI MOURNS
Dr Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), has described the deceased Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Paul Omotosho, as a dedicated leader, unifier and pillar of the party in the state.
In a mourning statement issued by his media office and made available to the press by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head of Media Office, Fayemi regretted that the sudden departure of the party chairman had left a void difficult to fill within the APC family in Ekiti State and in all those who knew the departed party leader.
He described the late Omotosho as a tireless leader and steadfast supporter of the APC’s principles and agenda in Ekiti State.
“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,’’ he said.
Fayemi recalled that Omotosho was a long-standing progressive who had been an official of the Party since the Alliance for Democracy days and later was Secretary and Chairman of APC, after serving as Commissioner for Local Government and Environment between 2010 and 2014, during Fayemi’s first term as governor.
The late party chairman, a close ally of Fayemi, was steadfast throughout the trials and tribulations of gubernatorial politics in Ekiti and the usual vicissitudes of political turncoats. He was a stout defender of the Party, maintaining the same level of support for the incumbent Government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Fayemi added: “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.
‘’His ideals and examples will continue to guide us as we rededicate ourselves to the vision of a more prosperous Ekiti. In this moment of sorrow, I urge all members and supporters of our party to remain strong and united in honouring the memory of our late chairman.
‘’On behalf of my family, I extend my deep condolences to the Ekiti State chapter of the APC, the family and associates of the late Chairman and the people of Ekiti on this irreparable loss.
‘’May the soul of the deceased rest in peace, and may God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss.”
EKITI PDP JOINS APC TO MOURN
The Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commiserated with the state government and the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC) over the death of its state Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotoso, stating that it shared in the pain of the families of the late APC leader.
The PDP said that its thoughts and prayers were with them at this moment of grief.
The opposition party in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, by the State Publicity Secretary, Raphael Adeyanju, stated:
“On behalf of all members of our great party PDP, we express our heartfelt condolence with the Government of Ekiti State and the families of Barrister Omotoso over the untimely demise of a promising Ekiti State son.
“The party wishes the families, friends and political associates of the late patriot continued support and guidance of the Almighty God,”
Describing Omotoso as a patriot who placed the interest of Ekiti State above partisan politics, the PDP said that 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,” PDP further stated.
ALAKE DESCRIBES HIM AS AN ASTUTE POLITICIAN
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has described the late Mr Paul Omotosho, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ekiti , as an astute party administrator who lived an impactful life.
Slake extolled the chairman in a condolence message delivered by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomor, on Wednesday in Abuja.
”We have lost a dogged democrat, a fair-minded adjudicator, a consummate grassroots politician, and a party man to the core,” he said.
He said that deceased was selfless in his service to APC and humanity, adding that he exhibited courage in all his dealings even in life threatening situations.
“Indeed, when we remember the harrowing suffering of his kidnap, an ordeal he faced with courage and grace.
“And how he put himself to the service of the party to ensure the historic victory of the party in all the elections held under his leadership, we cannot but salute his heroism and commitment to the people’s cause, “ he said.
He commiserated with the family of the deceased, the governor of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji , the traditional leaders and the people of Imesi-Ile on the loss and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
