By Funso Alarape
Wednesday March 6, 2024
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Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed shock at the death of the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotoso, who passed on Tuesday night.
The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was shocked and devastated by the news of the demise of the party chairman because he did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.
Governor Oyebanji who said he is yet to come to terms with the demise of the APC chairman, described Omotoso as a dependable brother and ally, who was a great and invaluable asset to the APC family as well as the government.
According to him, Omotoso would be eternally remembered as the first party chairman in the state to achieve a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji said the deceased’s selflessness and sacrifices contributed to the internal cohesion which made the Ekiti APC an unstoppable election-winning machine in local government, state, and national elections conducted during his chairmanship.
This, he said, was made possible by Omotoso’s administrative acumen, diligence, maturity, managerial and diplomatic skills as well as conflict resolution ingenuity which he deployed in managing the affairs of the party and its teeming members.
The Governor noted that Omotoso was a man of impact endowed with wisdom which he brought to bear in party and state matters as he was always ready to offer his wise counsel at critical points when such was needed.
The state helmsman noted that Omotoso excelled in the previous public offices he held including Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Commissioner for Environment, and Commissioner for Special Duties.
Governor Oyebanji added that the deceased’s stellar performance as the APC State Secretary contributed immensely to his emergence as the State Chairman for two terms noting that these speak volumes about his loyalty, commitment, integrity, and competence.
“We have lost a dependable pillar in Ekiti’s development and partner in our development effort as a government. We have lost a great leader, a peacemaker, a humble servant of the people, and an altruistic party Organiser.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late Chaman and the people of Imesi Ekiti and the entire members of APC.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. May God grant them and every one of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. And may God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest”, the statement added.
Fayemi
Similarly, former Governor of Ekiti State Dr John Kayode Fayemi, expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Chief Paul Omotosho.
Fayemi praised Omotosho’s unwavering dedication and pivotal role in strengthening the party’s presence in the state.
In a heartfelt statement by his media office, Fayemi reflected on the profound impact of Omotosho’s untimely passing, leaving an irreplaceable gap in the APC community and among acquaintances.
He highlighted Omotosho’s instrumental leadership, under which the party secured crucial electoral successes, attributing these achievements to his unifying efforts and selfless dedication to the state and nation’s welfare.
Remembering Omotosho’s enduring commitment to progressive politics, Fayemi recounted his journey from the Alliance for Democracy era to his pivotal roles as Secretary and Chairman of the APC, including a tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Environment during Fayemi’s first gubernatorial term.
Fayemi honored Omotosho’s legacy, emphasizing his integrity, exemplary leadership, and the unity he fostered within the party.
He also acknowledged the significant void left by Omotosho’s departure and called upon party members to uphold his ideals and continue striving for a thriving Ekiti State.
The former Ekiti state governor extended his deepest sympathies to the APC’s Ekiti chapter, Omotosho’s family, and associates, as well as the people of Ekiti, for this monumental loss.
He prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved to endure this difficult time.
Omotosho, a staunch ally of Fayemi, remained resolute amid the challenges of state politics and the fickleness of political allies.
The late Omotosho’s unwavering support extended to the current administration led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Adubiaro
The Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State, Dr. Habbibat Adubiaro also expressed grief over the sudden death of the Chairman.
Dr. Adubiaro in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti said she has not recovered from the shock of his death.
According to her, Barrister Omotosho was a perfect gentleman, very humble, diligent, and disciplinarian who was never found wanting throughout his term as APC Chairman.
She noted that the Imesi-born politician had left at a critical time when the government of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the APC family needed him the most based on his expertise, experience, and sense of judgment.
The SSG prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and give the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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