By Banji Ayoola
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State has described the passage of the member representing Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Isaac Adedayo Omolafe, as a colossal loss to the party in the state.
In a statement by the party’s state spokesman, Mr Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, entitled “The exit of Omolafe Adedayo is a colossal loss to Ondo PDP”, the party said his sudden death is difficult to accept as he was not ill.
It said: “Everyone will die one day or another. But some departures are too much to bear. The sudden and tragic demise of Hon. Omolafe Adedayo, popularlly known as Expensive is difficult to accept, especially when he was not sick.
“Expensive had been a constant political star since he was elected as Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area in 2004 under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“He was the State Co-ordinator of Sure-P program under former President Goodluck Jonathan. His dream to represent Akure South/ Akure North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives did not come to fruition since 2007. Now that he became elected in 2019, on the platform of PDP, the cold hand of death has extinguished this bright star at the middle of his tenure.
“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 collosal 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.
“Our party commiserates with his wife, children, and indeed the extended family. May God in His infinite mercies grant him bliss in the world beyond.”
It was learnt that the deceased said that he was unconscious last night (Sunday night) and rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo where he reportedly died at about 2 am this morning.
As Chairman, Akure South Local Government between 2003-2009, Omolafe brought infrastructural development and social services to the ancient city and Ondo state capital.
These included Neighborhood markets, drains, culverts, roads, maternity centres, Hostels for corps Members ( Corpers’ Lodge) along Ondo Road, Ultra Modern Motor park, Oke -Ijebu, Akure, and employment of hundreds of indigenes including physically challenged persons as permanent staffers of the council among others.
When recently a professional body of Engineers, under the auspices of The Nigerian Society of Engineers ( NSE) Akure Branch, honoured the deceased with an award “in recognition of his exceptional contribution and service to humanity,” he was described thus:”He brought dignity and respect to the exalted office as Mr Chairman of the most populous Local Government in Ondo state. His charisma, deeds, discipline and legacies are chronicled as unmatchable till date.
“As a State Coordinator of SURE-P, A Federal intervention programme to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, he delivered the job meritoriously. He brought his abundant native intelligence to the fore in meeting the local challenges during the implementation of this material cum distributive policy.
“Ondo State Property Development Corporation is another point of his political calling in 2014. He was appointed as its Chairman. During his brief but eventful stay, Hon. Omolafe exposed the state estates to modernity and reclaimed the lands and properties of the state from unauthorized occupiers.
“It is noteworthy to state that his present capacity as a member representing Akure North/ Akure South in the green Chamber has drawn accolades from the low and mighty.
“His interventions have covered critical areas like Health, Education, infrastructures (both physical and stomach), Empowerment, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition for youths, business grants and Employment assistance.
“Hon. Omolafe is untiring in providing Leadership and Mentorship to the generations of upcoming politicians which also qualifies him as a recipient of the award and tallies him with the theme of the Memorial lecture to honour the Late James Raymond Olusoga.
The NSE is adequately applauded for appreciating the deserved. This award will definitely serve as a memorabilia for him to strive harder. And God, will continue to strengthen Hon. Omolafe Adedayo, the man whose heart is committed with burning desire to add indelible values to humanity.”
