The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Abiola Ajimobi, Rauf Aregbesola, Akinwunmi Ambode and others have been mourning with Chief Bisi Akande over the death of his wife, Madam Omowunmi Akande.
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has expressed deep sorrow over the death wife of former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Omawunmi as a good role model who demonstrated compassion, integrity, and character and lived a fruitful life dedicated to supporting her husband, family and community.
He commiserated with Chief Akande, his family and the Government and people of Osun state over the loss. He stated that Madam Omowunmi would be greatly missed for her industry, leadership qualities and exemplary lifestyle.
“Nigeria has lost a quintessential mother and very supportive wife. As the First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Akande displayed humility, love for all and solid support for her husband. My heart goes out to Chief Akande and the entire family in these trying moments”, Saraki stated.
He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and her immediate family, and loved ones, the fortitude to bear the loss.
Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, also described the death of Madam Omowumi Akande, wife of the Interim National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) and former governor of the state, Chief Bisi Akande, as a great loss to the state and the South-West at large.
Aregbesola, in a condolence statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the death of the Akande matriarch has created a huge void in the state as her maternal role in the socio-political affairs of the state would be greatly missed by the government and the good people.
The Governor described Mama Akande as a great mother, loyal wife and, above all, one of the last bastions of progressive women in the region, who diligently served the people, the party and his husband till her last moment on the surface of the earth, noting that Mama Akande was a great pillar behind Chief Bisi Akande through thick and thin during the elder statesman’s political career.
His words: “I receive the death of the wife of our leader, Mrs. Omowumi Akande with a heavy heart. I have no doubt she led a meaningful life during her earthly sojourn.
“I have no doubt in my mind that Mama’s death has left a huge vacuum in the immediate family of the Akande dynasty, Osun, the whole of the South-West and the entire progressive family. She would be deeply missed by all of us but mostly by her beloved husband, our great leader, Chief Adebisi Akande.
“On behalf of my family, government and the people of the State of Osun, I offer our heartfelt condolences to both the immediate and extended family of Akande. We pray that Almighty God would grant her a befitting abode in paradise reserved for the pious and the righteous.”
And from Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has commiserated with Chief Bisi Akande, over the death of his wife too.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, on Wednesday, the governor described the death of the APC stalwart as painful and disheartening.
Ajimobi, who said he received the news of Mama Akande’s death with rude shock, described the deceased as a pride to womanhood and pillar of support to her husband.
She said, “In the face of the ups and downs in Baba Akande’s political odyssey, Mama stood by him like a strong pillar. For the 51 years that they had been together as husband and wife, she never wavered in keeping the home front together.
“Mama Akande was an epitome of motherhood and pillar of support to both her immediate and extended families. She was pleasant, easy-going and was always there for us, her husband’s political disciples.
“The story of Baba’s eventful and successful political career cannot be fully written without a prominent mention of the invaluable role and dedication of Mama at each stop.’’
The governor said that Mrs. Akande would be sorely missed by the progressives fold for her wise counsel which, according to him, served as the needed tonic during their many struggles and travails.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the decease, Ajimobi urged the former governor of Osun State not to mourn, but to celebrate her wife for living a fulfilled life and for being a blessing to his family.
The governor prayed that God should grant Akande and the children the fortitude to bear the loss.
From Lagos State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of Madam Akande
The Governor in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described late Omowunmi as an epitome of humility, uprightness and one who was a pillar of support for her husband.
“She was a shining example of a virtuous woman, who stood by her husband through thick and thin especially during the period he was incarcerated. She kept the home front together and ensured that his absence did not affect their children adversely,” the Governor said.
While praying for the peaceful repose of her soul, he urged her husband, Chief Bisi Akande, to take solace in the fact that she has gone to a better place and draw strength from the joyful years they shared together.
Governor Ambode also commiserated with the children and relatives of the deceased, just as he prayed to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the great loss.
“On behalf of the good people of Lagos, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Chief Bisi Akande on this great and irreparable loss”, he said.
And from the family of late Chief Ajibola Ige came a message from the scion of the clan, Architect Muyiwa Ige.
The former Commissioner for Lands in Osun State simply wrote “Condolence goes out to the Akande family, especially Baba. Mama was a Mother in Israel…ever so kind, ever so warm and accommodating. Her transition is the will of God. My prayer is that God will grant her soul sweet repose. I commiserate with the children, Bolaji, Femi, Tope and Wura, and the grandchildren. May God pour the balm of Gilead on the deep and unexpected pain and loss. It is well.”
Meanwhile, the remains of Mrs Akande, would be buried tomorrow, Thursday.
According to the statement signed by Mr Femi Akande, said, “The families of Chief Bisi Akande, the Asiwaju of Ila Orangun announces the passing to glory of our matriarch, Chief (Mrs) Omowunmi Akande.
“Our mother slept in the Lord at 4:30pm on Tuesday 11th July 2017.
“Aged 73 years, she will be buried at 10am tomorrow 13th July 2017 at ila Orangun country home of Chief Bisi Akande. May her soul rest in peace Amen.”
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola,Bunmi Oladejo,Omotoyosi Jesuleye
