The Presidency, Oyo and Osun State governments as well as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday, July 12 condoled with elder statesman, Bisi Akande on the death of his wife, Omowunmi even as delegation from the seat of power had visited him.
Akande’s wife, 73, died on Tuesday, July 11 evening at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, following a brief illness.
Among the dignitaries who were at the Ila-Orangun country home of the Akandes were Abba Kyari (Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhar)i; John Odigie-Oyegun, (APC National Chairman); and Lawan Shuaibu, (APC Deputy National Chairman).
Also in attendance were Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun and his Oyo State counterpart, Abiola Ajimobi, as well as Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Solid Minerals and Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works, Power and Housing.
Kyari, who led the presidential delegation, described the deceased as a loss to the nation.
“Yesternight, I received a call from Acting President Yemi Osinbajo while he was with President Muhammadu Buhari in London.
“He gave me the news of Madam Akande’s death and said that the president and himself are very sad over the sudden death of Mrs. Akande.
He thereafter directed that I lead a presidential delegation to Ila-Orangun immediately to condole with Chief Akande,” he said.
Kyari, however, said a formal communication from the presidency would reach Akande in a few hours.
Oyegun, on his part, stated that though sad, gratitude must be expressed to God as the deceased passed on peacefully into eternity.
“The APC is very sorry and deeply touched about the death of your wife. It is clear that she has found favour.
“We thank God that she was not subjected to sufferings and did not suffer humiliation. While we mourn, we give glory to God,’’ he said.
Ajimobi expressed sadness at the demise of the deceased, saying he was, however, pleased that she witnessed the marriage of her last child two weeks ago.
“On behalf of the people of Oyo State, I want to register our sadness on the loss of Madam Omowunmi Akande.
“I am particularly pleased that Mama achieved three things before her death; Mama witnessed the marriage of her last child, she had a glorious exit and she left a legacy of godliness,’’ he said.
Aregbesola described the death as sad and an irreparable loss to a great leader, Osun and the country.
“This development is overwhelmingly painful because we need Baba Akande’s attention now more than ever.
“Baba knows more than we do about life’s entry and exit. The entry is always with joy, while the departure is with grief and sadness,” he said.
Presidency, Governors Mourn, Officials Visit Akande Over Wife’s Death
