Buhari, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Senator Durojaiye
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of the late Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye, describing the passing of the elder statesman as a great loss to the nation.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lamented the death of a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), describing it as a great Nigerian and a passionate leader who served his country meritoriously as a public servant, human rights activist, politician and seasoned administrator.
In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun, as well as friends and political associates of the elder statesman.
President Buhari described the deceased as “a dogged fighter for democracy, an activist, a nationalist and an indispensable member of the financial community.”
He noted that Durojaiye’s imprints were always visible where he worked as a director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, at the Mint, and as Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission.
According to the president, late Durojaiye remained an epitome of professionalism, integrity, kindness and humility.
President Buhari believed that Durojaiye’s commitment to democratic ideals was never in doubt.
The president recalled the prominent roles he played as a member of NADECO in fighting for justice towards the actualisation of the memorable June 12 election.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, Buhari urged the family to take solace in the fact that their patriarch lived a life of inspiration and impacted positively on the community and national landscapes.
Meanwhile, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the late Afenifere chieftain spent his life in the service of humanity, particularly for the emancipation of the Yoruba people and the defence of Nigeria’s democratic system.
He praised Durojaiye’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, especially his fight, alongside other progressive elements in the country, during the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the dark days of the military junta for the enthronement of constitutional democracy in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the people of the state, especially indigenes of Ijebu-Igbo, on the demise of their illustrious son and elder statesman.
According to him, “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of late Durojaiye, as well as members of the political family of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Yoruba people.
“The death of Senator Durojaiye is a colossal loss to the country. He made lots of positive contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Yorubaland and Nigeria. He fought along with several other patriots and pro-democracy activists tirelessly for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
“He wrote his name in gold as a tireless fighter and an advocate of democratic government. He played a crucial role as chieftain of NADECO in the agitation for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election and the return of civilian government in May 29, 1999. Despite being arrested and imprisoned by the military regime of General Sani Abacha, he never gave up the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy.
“I pray that God would grant him eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, political associates, Afenifere, the people of Ijebu-Igbo and Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
