President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday condoled Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his family on the passing of their mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu, who died in her Ibadan, the Oyo State capital’s residence on Thursday at 90.
His condolence message was contained in a statement which was titled ‘President Buhari Commiserates with Governor Akeredolu over mother’s death,’ and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
In it, he said: “The President urges the Akeredolu family members to draw strength from the life lessons taught by Mama, the values of care and compassion she inculcated in them and the sacrifices she made for her children to succeed in life.”
He, therefore, prayed for the peaceful transition of the soul of the departed, urging the family to hold fast to their faith and trust in the Almighty to guide them through this difficult period.
Also, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, sent his condolences as he joined the friends and political associates of the governor to commiserate with his family, government and people of Ondo State over the passage.
He said the departed matriarch left behind a great legacy in her children, and as a Lady Evangelist and community leader, lived a life of service to humanity and the Lord.
His words: “Sweet is the memory of the righteous. His Excellency should be consoled by the virtuous life that Mama lived and how she lived to see her children attain great heights in their chosen careers.”
Lawan also prayed that the family be granted the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Apart from Buhari and Lawan, other prominent Nigerians who sent condolences include the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun; Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Chairman of Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope, Sir Ademola Adetula; Ondo NUJ chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite; NLC chairman, Comrade Sunday Adeleye; Signage and Advertisement Agency, Akinwande Akinrodoye; APC chieftain, Prince Jimi Odimayo; former OSOPADEC chairman, Mr Gbenga Edema; and Labour Party chieftain, Kunle Adeyeri among others.
Oleyelogun described the governor’s mother as a kind-hearted woman who devoted her life to service while on earth.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the House, Akogun Olugbenga Omole, the speaker thanked the Lord for the meaningful and impactful life she lived as they sympathized with the Governor and the entire family of Akeredolu for the loss.
Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu described the death as shocking and a colossal loss to the Akeredolus, Christendom and the state in general.
Odu, in a statement made available to newsmen, said that the deceased was a peace loving and caring mother who dedicated her entire life to the service in the benefit of humanity.
The SSG who noted that death is inevitable and dealing with it not easy, observed that the departed devoted her resources and time to the training of her children and left a footprint that is adorable and worthy of emulation.
State chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Sunday Adeleye in a statement said “we share this moment with you and urge that, we all should be comforted by the good life and legacies Mama led and left behind.
“As they say, no one wishes his or her aged dead, the age of Mama notwithstanding, we will surely miss her and all that she stood for while here with us.
“From all of us and especially, the NLC Chairman, Com. Oluwole Adeleye Sunday, we pray for the repose of the soul of Mama. Good night Mama Grace Akeredolu.”
The NUJ in a condolence message jointly signed by the state chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite and Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack enjoined the Governor to take solace in the fact that Mama lived a fulfilled and an eventful life.
The union described her as a loving, dutiful and prayerful mother mother who was loved by his children and family members.
It noted that Mama came, saw and conquered, and left worthy children and grandchildren behind, therefore her exit on earth, though painful should rather be celebrated.
Also, House of Representatives Candidate on the platform of APC for Irele/Okitipupa , Prince Jimi Odimayo, appreciated the Almighty for an exemplary lifetime devoted to serving, especially in evangelising and philanthropic gestures of late Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu.
“She was truly a wonderful woman that all of us will always remember how amazing she was, her motherly advice, free gift of wisdom, generosity and agape love.”
Also, APC chieftain, Princess Omowunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole in her condolence message said the deceased was a great grandma who tirelessly worked to train up her children in the way of the Lord. She described her as a loving, caring, and industrious woman who left an indelible mark on the sands of time.
While also noting that she will be greatly missed not only by her biological children and family members, Ohwovoriole said Ondo State will miss her graceful motherly role.
Chairman Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Akinwande Akinrodoye said the deceased lived a life of fulfillment with great accomplishments in service to God and humanity. It is our belief that she is resting in a better place.
A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) Kunle StephenAdeyeri described her as a model of chastity who dedicated her life to the service of mankind through her immeasurable benevolence to the downtrodden.
The immediate past Chairman of OSOPADEC, Mr Gbenga Edema urged the Governor to take solace in the fact that his mother lived a good and fulfilled life during which she made priceless contributions to humanity.
According to Edema, the family should be consoled in the fact that their matriarch lived to witness the successes of her children who rose to the peak of their careers.
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