President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Governor Kayide Fayemi of Ekiti State have mourned the passing away of a former Deputy Governor of the old Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo.
The President, who described Omoboriowo as a politician who was not afraid to stand for his political beliefs, expressed his deepest condolences to his widow, family and the government and people of Ekiti State.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan enjoined the Omoboriowo family members to take solace in the fact that the late politician lived a fulfilled and God-fearing life to a good old age, while praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.
Fayemi described the death of Omoboriowo as a big loss to the state, the Yoruba race and the nation at large.
He also described the late politician as a “consummate nationalist, respected statesman and a great defender of Ekiti interests.”
Fayemi, in a statement on Wednesday, said Omoboriowo’s death has robbed the state of a father, committed patriot and elder statesman who contributed immensely to the evolution and development of the state.
He expressed regret that Omoboriowo’s demise came at a time the state was yet to recover from the loss of another eminent citizen, Prof. Sam Aluko.
Fayemi recalled the contributions of Omoboriowo to the development of old Ondo State, which now comprises of Ekiti and Ondo States, stressing that the late politician was part of the legacies of the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin-led administration on which the progressive governments in the South West are trying to build.
He also recalled the roles played by the late Omoboriowo in the creation of Ekiti State, which resulted in the birth of a new state on October 1, 1996.
Fayemi also lauded the contributions of the late former deputy governor to the development of the then University of Ado-Ekiti, now known as the Ekiti State University, where he served meritoriously as Chancellor.
The Governor, in a condolence letter to the family, described the late Omoboriowo as a nationalist, a political leader and a community leader in Ijero Local Government Area, whose contributions to the political development of the nation will remain indelible.
He said: “On behalf of my family, government and the good people of Ekiti State, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
“Papa was a consummate nationalist, respected statesman and great defender of Ekiti interests who would be sorely missed by us all. “May the Good Lord endow the family with the fortitude to bear this loss.”