By DAVID IORJA, Abuja –
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with government and people of Ondo State over the death of Evangelist Bamidele Isola Olumilua, who was a governor of the state from 1992-1993.
The former governor’s eldest son, Muyiwa Olumilua, who is a serving Commissioner in the State, is reported to have announced the death on Thursday.
He reportedly confirmed that his father died in his Ikire-Ekiti country home in the early hours of Thursday after a brief illness.
Olumilua, who was the second civilian Governor of old Ondo State, recently celebrated his 80th birthday.
He was elected the Ondo State Governor under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and served between January 1992 and November 1993.
His tenure, like those of all elected office holders during the aborted third republic, was terminated by General Sani Abacha’s Military junta, which overthrew the interim national government former military President, General Ibrahim Buhari as his infamous “step aside in August 1993.
In the condolence statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari sympathized with family members, friends and associates of the former governor, “who worked very hard to improve infrastructure and livelihood of people in the state.”
President Buhari affirmed that Evangelist Olumilua played an active role in the return of democracy in the country, and served as Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Board.
The President prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and comfort his family.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.