Deji Elumoye
President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, have condoled with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State over the death of his father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun.
The leaders in separate condolence messages to the governor mourned the foremost educationist in the Gateway state and prayed that God would give the Abiodun family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Buhari, according to a release on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, commiserated with Governor Abiodun and the Iperu-Remo Family over the passing of Dr.Abiodun.
He also condoled with institutions and educationists in the state, who had worked with Dr. Abiodun, fondly called “Baba Teacher” over many years, affirming that the principles of living for God, good of others and the country, and sharing knowledge greatly impacted on the entire Western Nigeria and the country.
The President believed Abiodun’s passing, leaving a strong legacy of service to humanity, further stirred the need for reflection and making right choices for the living, particularly in working for the betterment of mankind.
He urged Governor Abiodun and all family members to take solace in the good works of their father, grandfather and great grandfather, while praying for repose of his soul.
On his part, the Senate President condoled with the entire Abiodun family, government and people of Ogun State over the demise of the educationist, who made indelible contributions to manpower development in Nigeria.
“The Abiodun Family can take solace in the fact that its Partriarch lived an impactful life as evident in his own great accomplishments and those of his children.
“Baba Teacher will continue to live in the hearts of the numerous people to whom he imparted knowledge as a school teacher,” the Senate President said, even as he prayed God to grant Papa Abiodun eternal rest and the family fortitude to bear his loss.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Governor Abiodun, the deceased family, friends and entire people of Iperu-Remo and Ogun State in general to immortalise the good name of the late octogenarian.
He said: “The death of a loved one, especially patriarch of a family, is usually painful as it is irreparable but we must always take solace in God for a good life lived by the deceased.
“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with my friend and brother, Governor Dapo Abiodun, on the demise of his beloved father, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun. I also send my heartfelt condolences to Mama, Mrs. Victoria Abiodun and the entire Abiodun family in Iperu-Remo and the people of Ogun State over the death of the patriarch of the Abiodun family.
“Papa Abiodun, fondly called ‘Baba Teacher’ by young and old due to his relentless efforts at imparting knowledge and inculcating the right values in his students, lived a fulfilled life as an educationist. He served as a school teacher for many years across the old Western State and made a positive impact on the lives of his numerous students, who have turned out as great men and women in the society today.”
“The elderly and wise counsel of Papa would be sorely missed not only by his family but the entire people of Iperu-Remo. I pray that God will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Tinubu, in his condolence letter said the late Dr. Abiodun “lived a remarkable life, touched many lives and mentored many young ones as a school teacher and educationist for many years across the old Western Region of Nigeria.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your father and patriarch of the Abiodun Family, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, on Monday, August 2 in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
“By way of this letter, I extend my deepest condolences to you and other members of your family. To lose a father no matter how old can be a very painful experience. However, I urge you to take heart and be consoled by the memories of the good times you shared together and the fact that Dr. Abiodun lived to a rather advanced age of 89.
“I understand your dad lived a remarkable life, touched many lives and mentored many young ones as a school teacher and educationist for many years across the old Western Region of Nigeria.
“A worthy son of Iperu-Remu, Ogun State and Nigeria, it is also on record that he left behind a legacy of integrity, honesty and selfless service. I enjoin you and other members of the family to maintain and continue, as you do at present, to advance those ideals your dad propagated throughout his life.
“Please, know that our thoughts are with you and the family at this time. While praying that God Almighty comforts you and the entire Abiodun Family, we also beseech Him to grant the soul of Papa eternal rest,” the APC leader said.
