Kolapo Ishola, ex-Oyo State governor, dies at 77


• Ajimobi, Akala, Olunloyo, Rasaki mourn

Former Oyo State Governor, Chief Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola, died yesterday in Ibadan, the capital, 48 hours after arriving from a two-week trip overseas for medical check-up. Ishola, who marked his 77th birthday in June, according to the former Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, passed on between 6:00am and 6:30am, after reading some portions of the Bible. Ishola was the governor between 1991 and 1993. National Mirror learnt from credible sources at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, that the former governor was brought to the hospital dead.

Olayiwola said: “At about 5:00am, a relative told the former governor on phone that his friend, Alhaji Agba at Moniya, is dead. The late governor expressed shock over the death. He thereafter demanded for a Bible and read Psalms 101 to 109. Later he told the family that he would want to have some rest at about 6.00am. He passed on from the sleep.”

When National Mirror visited the former governor’s Ikolaba residence, many sympathisers were seen consoling his widow, Olubukola Grace. Many dignitaries, such as the immediate past governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao- Akala; his deputy, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains - Dr. Saka Balogun, Alhaji Gbadegesin Kareem, Brig-Gen. Raji Rasaki, Alhaji Nureni Akanbi and Hon. Gbenga Adewusi - were at the residence to console the family. Others were a former governor of the state, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo and former Minister of Mines and Power, Elder Wole Oyelese.

Meanwhile, reactions have been trailing the death of the former governor. The incumbent, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said Ishola “died at a time his contributions are most needed in the new Oyo State that will be a reference point to all”. In a commiseration message he personally issued on the death of the elder statesman, Ajimobi said that Ishola promoted politics of peace and development as well as left legacies that marked him out as a leader, who would be ranked in the pantheon of great men. He said no one could identify the late governor with violence or promotion of politics of hatred, while alive. Ajimobi said he felt a sense of personal loss at the Ishola’s departure because the former governor was a close associate of his late father.

He urged the family members of the late former governor not to be sorrowful, but take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and impacted his environment positively. Speaking with reporters, Akala said he received the news of the death of the former governor with shock, describing him as a political icon that will be missed for his robust advice. Akala said: “I don’t know how we will cope with his exit. He always has an answer for any problem.”

On his part, Olunloyo said the late Ishola served his people in style, adding the late statesman served his community with his resources and energy, without any exterior motive and with no political affiliation. Oyelese said the news of Ishola’s death was a great shock to him, adding that it was least expected at this time, especially when the state and Nigeria needs his wise counsel. He described the late Ishola as a peace lover. The burial plan for the former governor is yet to be made public, but his son, Kunle Ishola, told National Mirror that the family would consult with stakeholders on the issue because the former governor was a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT).

Also yesterday, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, described the death of the former governor as a great loss to the people of Oyo State. This was contained in a statement signed by her Media Assistant, Isiaka Kehinde. The minister said: “The death was unexpected and a great loss to Oyo State particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which the late politician has made immeasurable contributions. “I urge all politicians in Oyo State to reflect on the demise of Chief Kolapo Ishola and strive to imitate the late politician by also making similar meaningful contributions to the state.”


http://nationalmirroronline.net/news/18225.html

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-723989.0.html

Compare and contrast!