Former Osun State Governor, PrinceOlagunsoye Oyinlola , has penned an emotional tribute to late Soji Adagunodo, former National Vice Chairman of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), Southwest zone.
Adagunodo passed on after a brief illness in the United States of America.
Reading the tribute at the interdenominational order of service of songs for Adagunodo, held in Osogbo, Osun State capital, Oyinlola said he decided to put pen on paper due to the constraint of time.
“I decided to put pen on paper due to the constraint of time because if I’m left alone to speak on Soji, I can speak on from now till tomorrow.”
He said in Yoruba land, it is a painful task to write on the death of a younger person.
He wrote: “In the death of Soji Adagunodo, I feel the loss of a general in battle. He was more than a political associate to me. He was a brother and comrade in my political journey throughout my days as governor of Osun State.
“Our late brother held many political positions and discharged the terms creditably in all. As a member of the state house of assembly, Soji was loyal to the party that elected him. He was faithful to the people he represented. He provided quality representation which he balanced well with loyalty to the government which I led as at that time.
“In all political posts he held, you would see in Adagunodo brilliance in idea conception, diligence in pursuit of lofty goals, resilience in days of adversity, equanimity when confronted with setbacks and moderation in victory.
“He was a complete gentle man, a good leader to his followers and a good follower to his leaders. He was a model of uprightness.
“Soji’s death has robbed me in particular of a brother and a friend. He was a lieutenant whom I fought shoulder to shoulder in many political battles. He was brave and could be very stubborn. The traits are identified in every true Ijesa, man or woman. But he was very wise and knowledgeable in all to know when to fight and when to be reconciliatory. Such men are very rare to find in today’s Nigeria.
“The Peoples Democratic Party has lost a leader with a heart of gold.
Osun State and Ijesa land in particular have lost a priceless son. However, we cannot query God. He gives and takes according to His will. May his family, friends and associates be comforted.”
