More Condolences Pour In For Late Agagu

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, joined the nation in mourning the demise of the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu, saying his exemplary decorum and urbanity will be greatly missed in national politics.

President Jonathan in a message by his special adviser on media and publicity, Reuben Abati said he received news of the passing away of the former minister of aviation and governor with immense sadness.

Abati said, “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Dr. Agagu’s family, the government and people of Ondo State, as well as Dr. Agagu’s friends, political associates and colleagues in Ondo State and other parts of the country.”

NSGF pays tributes
The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) paid glowing tributes to the former governor, saying his death marked the end of a glorious era.

Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu said in a statement that the late Agagu was a true nationalist who lived a purposeful life of dedication to the cause of Nigeria’s unity and development as well as commitment to the upliftment of the citizenry.

“From Agagu’s stint as a lecturer at the prestigious University of Ibadan, through his tenure as minister of aviation, to his election to the position of the governor of Ondo State, and his life in retirement, the former governor stayed with the people,” the forum said in a statement signed by governor Aliyu’s spokesman, Danladi Ndayebo.

His death is shocking —Ahmed 
In his reaction, the governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed commiserated with the government and people of Ondo State over Agagu’s death, describing it as shocking.

Ahmed in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said Agagu was an honest and highly reliable politician who wanted the best for his people and the country. 

Take solace in God, Ajimobi tells family
Similarly, the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has called upon the family of the deceased to take solace in God, stressing that God only could adequately console the family.

He made this known in a release issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo. According to the release, “The easiest path to tread is to weep at his demise but I urge his family to take solace in the fact that death is personal to every individual.”

His death, a painful loss —Akpabio
Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has described the death of former Ondo State governor, Chief Olusegun Agagu, as a painful loss to the country, Ondo State, which he served for years and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Akpabio, who is also the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum,stated this in a release signed by his Special Assistant Media, Mr Jackson Udom and made available to newsmen, yesterday, noted that “Agagu was a revered leader whose wealth of experience would have been effective in reclaiming the South-west states for the PDP.”

Amosun describes passage as regrettable 
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described Agagu’s death as regrettable.

Amosun expressed shock at the news of the demise of the former Aviation Minister, describing it as a great loss to Nigeria.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, said the death of Dr Olusegun Agagu at the age of 65 was depressing.

“He died at a time when the nation should have benefited more from his wealth of experience as an intellectual, politician and public servant,” Amosun said.

The governor commiserated with the family of the deceased, government and People of Ondo State and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.

Igbinedion mourns
Former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion expressed shock at the unpleasant news, saying “I received the unpleasant news of the death of Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former Ondo State governor with shock and disbelief. His exit at this period is a great setback for the nation due to his wealth of experience in political engineering.”

In a statement personally signed by him, Igbinedion said, “While praying for his repose, I commiserate with the good people of Ondo State and his immediate family on his transition and pray that God will grant them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Igbinedion remarked.

‘The loss of Agagu is irreparable’
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the death of the former Ondo State governor as “tragic and extremely shocking.”

Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the death of the former Ondo governor was a “blow below the belt” for the political class in the country.

The governor said Ekiti is sharing in the loss of Agagu who served as deputy governor in the old Ondo State of which Ekiti was part before it was created in 1996.

He was an astute politician —Aregbesola
Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has said that Agagu’s death was unfortunate, sudden and sad.

In a statement issued by his director of communications and strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, on Saturday, Aregbesola said the death of Agagu is a big loss to both his home state, Ondo and the nation.

He said the former governor had made his mark as a scholar before venturing into politics.

PDP calls for prayers for deceased’s family
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has expressed grief over the death of Agagu, calling for prayers for the bereaved family.  

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Chief

Olisa Metuh and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The party described the late Agagu as “a patriot and a brilliant technocrat who discharged his responsibilities both as minister and governor with finesse.”

Akinjide condoles Agagu’s widow
Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide has sent her condolences to the widow of the late Ondo State governor, saying “I wish to express my shock and sorrow at the sudden death of one of the titans of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the South West, governor Segun Agagu.

“On a personal level, I had a cordial relationship with him, as he was unfailingly courteous and respectful to all. My condolences go to his widow and family at this difficult time. I pray for the repose of his soul in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”

Minister, Akiolu, George, Alapinni, Oke visit deceased’s Lagos residence
Notable Nigerians early morning Saturday started thronging the Ikoyi residence of the late Agagu in a bid to condole with the family.

They included Minister of Communications Technology, Omobola Johnson; former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN); former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George; former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tunji Alapini; Senator Jubril Martin-Kuye and his wife, Iyabo.

Others were the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Olusola Oke.

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, was represented by his chiefs.

Speaking with newsmen, George said Agagu’s demise was like a big fish outside the water, declaring that it would take a lot of efforts to replace him.

 “We had plans, while he was in the US, to reunite the warring factions in South West wing of the PDP. He told me he would be back on Thursday, but unfortunately, he passed away. That tells me something, that whatever we want to do should be done on time because God’s time is different from ours.”

Kayode described Agagu’s exit as a rude shock as no sign suggested that he was ill before his death.