The ancient town of Ila Orangun, Osun State played host to who is who in Nigeria’s political landscape especially amongst the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftains as wife of former interim National Chairman (Chief Bisi Akande) of the party, Madam Omowunmi Akande is buried.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the late Mrs. Omowunmi Akande died on Tuesday at the age of 73 after a brief illness.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo urged Nigerians to support the ideals of peace and unity, which many great leaders stood for.
”Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity and size. Many states in Nigeria are far bigger than many nations of Africa.
“The economy of Lagos State, for instance, is six times that of Rwanda. We must learn to stand together and work together. This is the great message of This is the great message of Mr. President,” he said.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier called Chief Akande to commiserate with him and also sent a condolence letter which was delivered by a presidential delegation comprising ministers led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.
The burial was preceded by an Islamic prayer held on the open field opposite Akande’s residence.
Islamic cleric Mohammed Jamiu admonished political leaders to use their positions to help the poor.
He said politicians should always remember that God gives power to whoever He chooses, adding that if they failed to bring succour to the less-privileged, God’s mercy would elude them.
Osinbajo said he was with President Muhammadu Buhari in London on Tuesday when he recieved the news of Mrs. Akande’s death.
He said President Buhari was touched by the news, and quoted him as saying “How will baba (Chief Bisi Akande) cope now?”
In his words: “Mama’s loyalty to baba was unequalled. She and baba raised their children well. We are happy to see the children she left behind doing well. Mama, no doubt, has left a good legacy behind. She lived a life we are happy to remember with joy. We are celebrating the life of this great woman.”
Turning to Akande, Osinbajo said Buhari “respects you because you don’t lie.”
“Baba (Akande) has displayed courage many times, even, it is rough politically, but while we are wondering how baba will cope this time, he has shown tremendous courage again. Baba will always remain a beacon of light to us. So thank you for being a light.”
Among the dignitaries at the event was APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who the acting president hailed as “a visionary”
The roll call include: Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), National leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
APC Deputy National Chairman Segun Oni,MallamNuhu Ribadu, Osun State Deputy Governor Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, former Police Inspector general Tafa Balogun, Mr. Bamidele Olumilua, Mr. Segun Awolowo
Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.,) Prof. Olu Aina, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Mr. Wale Oshun,Chief Pius Akinyelure, Bashir Imam Ambasador Sola Iji, amongothers.
