The late Chief Akosile, 88, who retired from civil service as a permanent secretary in the old Ondo State and later served as state chairman of the Alliance for Democracy died on Friday.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said, “Ekiti has lost a great patriot, a servant-leader, a committed democrat and an illustrious elder, who loved the state and gave his best for its development”.
Oyebanji said the deceased was a leader he looked up to as a young politician, adding that he had lost a political father whose life was an inspiration to him and those coming behind.
The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, expressed profound sadness at the news of Akosile’s death, describing the demise of the elder statesman as “a significant loss to Ekiti State and the entire country”.
Fayemi, in a condolence message issued by the Head, Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said, “Chief Akosile was not just any politician to me, he was a leading light of the progressive movement in the old Ondo State, now comprising Ondo and Ekiti states. A close ally and wise adviser. Baba was someone who showed unwavering commitment and selflessness to our cause”.
Also, the APC in the state, said it had lost a political colossus with the passing on Friday of its political icon, Chief Akosile.
APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, on behalf of the State Chairman, Paul Omotoso, and other executive members, stated, “Pa Akosile is leaving us at a time when we need him most. We are not just losing an elder party man, but one whose contribution is seemly indispensable.”
“Even in his frailty, Pa Akosile was there for us and we kept drinking from his well of wisdom until he breathed his last. He was the chairman of our party’s Elders’ Forum and recently, Governor Oyebanji appointed him to chair the committee on appointment into the state’s executive council with the committee doing a faultless job,” Dipe stated
