The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State has mourned the passing of a former commissioner in the state, Chief Erastus Akeju.
In a statement by its Director of Media & Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro, the party said his passage has left a great vacuum in the party and the state’s political landscape.
It said, “Nigeria, Ondo State and our great party have indeed lost one of their finest sons.”
According to the statement:
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has received with profound shock and deep sadness the news of the passing of one of its most respected leaders, Chief Erastus Akeju, whose demise today has left a huge vacuum in our great party and the political landscape of Ondo State.
“In Chief Akeju, the APC has lost a loyal party man, an astute politician, a grassroots mobiliser par excellence, a courageous statesman, and a bridge-builder whose life was devoted to the service of the people and the advancement of progressive ideals.
“Chief Akeju was not merely a member of our party; he was one of the pillars upon which the progressive movement in Ondo State was built. Through decades of active political engagement, he remained steadfast, principled and unwavering in his commitment to the cause of good governance and the welfare of the people.
“A seasoned administrator and accomplished public servant, Chief Akeju served meritoriously as a former Local Government Chairman, where he distinguished himself through purposeful leadership, accessibility and dedication to community development.
“He later served as Commissioner for Works in the administration of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, contributing significantly to infrastructure development and the opening up of communities across Ondo State during a defining period in our state’s history.
“Until his passing, he remained an active elder of our great party and a valued member of the party’s Campaign Committee. His wise counsel, wealth of experience, calm disposition and fatherly guidance were invaluable assets that helped shape the direction of the APC in Ondo State.
“Chief Akeju belonged to a generation of politicians who viewed public office as a sacred trust and an opportunity to uplift society. He was a man of honour who placed integrity above personal gain and service above self-interest. His political journey was marked by humility, discipline, sacrifice and an uncommon devotion to the progressive family.
“As we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life richly lived in service to humanity. Though death has taken him away from us physically, his enduring legacy of patriotism, selflessness and commitment to the ideals of democracy will continue to inspire generations of leaders within and outside our party.
“On behalf of Hon Kolawole Babatunde, APC chairman, leadership and entire members of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, political associates, the people of his community and all those whose lives he touched through his exemplary service.
“We pray that Almighty God grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grant the departed elder eternal rest.
“Nigeria, Ondo State and our great party have indeed lost one of their finest sons.”
