Palpable grief tore through Akure, the Ondo State capital on Monday, as news of the sudden death of the member representing Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Isaac Adedayo Omolafe, filtered through.
The grief cut across political party, religious and other social affiliations as members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; his predecessor former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Zenith Labour Party; Chief Olusola Oke, APC; and the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, which is Omolafe’s party; market women and youths, among many others came together in grief to mourn a man who had associated with all whose paths he crossed in an exemplary manner irrespective of party or whatever affiliations.
In fact, the ancient sprawling city literally stood still for many hours as the people whose lives he had touched, tried to cope with the shock of the death of their darling exemplary charismatic politician, a philanthropist with an uncommon feeling for the pains and suffering of the downtrodden. He was indeed a man of his people whom he served with a rare passion dishing palliatives here and there, touching lives of so many who crossed his path in search of succour.
The unusual politician who had consistently remained in the Peoples Democratic Party, popularly called ‘Expensive’, died about 2 am on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo, to where he was rushed a day earlier following some feeling of discomfort.
It was learnt that the lawmaker went to his farm at lrese, in the outskirts of Akure metropolis on Sunday morning and on return complained of severe headache. He was thereafter rushed to a private hospital when the situation was getting out of control, by his immediate family members. The management of the hospital after attending to him, thereafter referred him to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo which is about 50 kilometres to the state capital.
One of his aides told reporters that ”the honourable was unconscious and quickly rushed to FMC, Owo. Also, one of his children, said his father went unconscious on Sunday after complaining of a headache and was taken to Federal Medical Centre Owo where he breathed his last.
The senior legislative Aide to the lawmaker, Tope Fakinlede said efforts to revive the lawmaker within 30 minutes of headache proved abortive until he was pronounced dead early Monday morning.
Hundreds of sympathizers including youths and women stormed the Akure residence of the deceased lawmaker weeping and waling recounting how they benefited from the deceased large heart.
lt’s painful that such a bright star is gone too soon- Akeredolu
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said he received the news of the death of Hon. Omolafe with a heavy heart and rude shock.
He described the news of the death as devastating saying that the reality is too difficult to accept considering that no news of illness was heard about the late lawmaker before his sudden death.
He said: “Like every mortal, Expensive is gone in fulfilment of mankind’s inescapable debt. It is painful that such a bright star is gone too soon. For our dear State, this is a big blow dealt by the ugly sting of death. It is a devastating tragedy.
“He was renowned for his generosity, touching lives and making people smile with his act of giving. Adedayo has a track record of service to his people. He was a grassroot politician. His death is a great loss to the Akure kingdom and the State in general.”
Omolafe’s exit a huge loss – Mimiko
Former governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko described the death of the lawmaker as a huge loss to the Akure people and Ondo State in general.
Mimiko, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, John Paul Akinduro, said the death of the federal lawmaker has left a big vacuum that may be difficult to fill.
“I am profoundly sad to learn of the passing to the great beyond of one of the most loved and illustrious sons of Akure, Ifedayo Omolafe, also known as Expensive. “Although death is inevitable, Omolafe’s exit is a rude shock. His incredible ability to connect with the people, the high and the lowly alike, is one major value he will be leaving behind.
“Expensive had the unquantifiable amount of street credibility and respectability uncommon among the elite.
He was known and respected by the commoners, who he gave time and energy to the court and serve.
A death too sudden, unbearable – Oke, SAN
A chieftain of the APC and former governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke said that ” Death has harvested one of our very bests in Ondo state. His death was sudden and unbearably shocking.
Oke added that ” Though death determines the day of mortals, yours was too sudden for us all to bear. We have however taken solace in the fact that you left a legacy in the lips of many and in the hearts of all.
Omolafe’s exit, a colossal loss – Ondo PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party in the state said that ” The sudden and tragic demise of Hon. Omolafe Adedayo is difficult to accept, especially when he was not sick.
“The Peoples Democratic Party, Ondo State Chapter is pained. We cannot find the exact words to convey the extent of our grief. The exit of Expensive is a colossal and irreparable loss to our party in Akure Federal Constituency and the entire PDP in the State.
“Hon. Omolafe Adedayo is a household name in Akure. His footprints on the sands of time are indelible.
***We’ve lost a great philanthropist – lkubese
The Convener of YesWeFit Revolutionary Movement and Former Presidential Aspirant, Thomas-Wilson Ikubese has expressed shock over the sudden death of the lawmaker.
” His countless philanthropic gestures and selfless lifestyle in and out of office is well known to all
“No doubt, we have lost a great son of Akure whose impact will be difficult to replace. End
The man Adedayo Omolafe?
Isaac Adedayo Omolafe was born on April 4, 1972. A staunch member of the PDP, he was formerly a chairman of Akure South local government area of the State.
He held BSc. degree in Business Management; Diploma in Business Administration; West African School Certificate and Primary School Leaving Certificate
As a member of the House of Representatives, he delivered democratic gains and dividends to his constituents, notable among which include the electrification of Igbatoro-Ala community, building of event centre at Osi, youth and widow intervention programmes, andcompletion of the Akure Civic center opposite Agbogbo filling station among others.
Besides, he was responsible for the Electrification of the popular Imafon and Igbatoro community. These areas had been neglected for several years before receiving his support.
During the Covid-19 lockdown last year, Omolafe saw to the Palliatives distribution during the 2. This 7-day long exercise reached out to 23 wards, orphanages, Markets, Lepers’ colony, Youths & Students bodies, religious and traditional institutions, Radio stations, etc.
In the second half of last year, he facilitated the Multi-million Naira empowerment programmes to boost businesses of young entrepreneurs; Skills acquisition training for more than 400 constituents with take-off grants to kick start businesses; Various loans at an advanced stage for disbursement to farmers and young industrialists.
