Omotoso’s Death Shocking, Devastating – Ekiti State Gov, Oyebanji
EKITI State governor, Mr ‘Biodun Oyebanji, has described the sudden death of the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotoso as shocking and devastating
The governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was shocked and devastated by the news of the demise of the party chieftain because he did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.
Governor Oyebanji, who said he was yet to come to terms with the demise of the APC top shot, described Mr Omotoso as a dependable brother and ally, who was a great and invaluable asset to the APC family as well as the government.
According to him, Omotoso would be eternally remembered as the first party chairman in the state to achieve a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji said the deceased’s selflessness and sacrifices contributed to the internal cohesion which made the Ekiti APC an unstoppable election-winning machine in local government, state and national elections conducted during his chairmanship.
This, he said, was made possible by Omotoso’s administrative acumen, diligence, maturity, managerial and diplomatic skills as well as conflict resolution ingenuity which he deployed in managing the affairs of the party and its teeming members.
The governor noted that Mr Omotoso was a man of impact endowed with wisdom which he brought to bear in party and state matters as he was always ready to offer his wise counsel at critical points when such was needed.
The state helmsman noted that Mr Omotoso excelled in the previous public offices he held including Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Commissioner for Environment and Commissioner for Special Duties.
Governor Oyebanji added that the deceased’s stellar performance as the APC State Secretary contributed immensely to his emergence as the State Chairman for two terms noting that these speak volumes about his loyalty, commitment, integrity and competence.
“We have lost a dependable pillar in Ekiti’s development and partner in our development effort as a government. We have lost a great leader, a peacemaker, a humble servant of the people and an altruistic party organiser.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late Chairman and the people of Imesi-Ekiti and the entire members of APC.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. May God grant them and every one of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. And may God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest”, the statement added.
Mr Omotoso, who was said to have actively participated in political activities on Monday, died in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness, according to a family source.
The late APC Chairman reportedly complained of feeling feverish on Tuesday and was rushed to a government hospital in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where he later passed on.
The late Omotoso was kidnapped in July 2023 and was released after five days.
Eighteen-Eleven Media
