Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with the family of the late business mogul and former Presidential aspirant, Chief Harry Akande, who passed away Saturday, aged 77.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the Governor described Akande’s death as an unfortunate and irreparable loss not only to members of his family and the good people of Oyo State but to the nation at large.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum said the late Akande worked his way to the top, built a solid business empire and became influential across the globe through dint of hard work, brilliance and diligence.

Fayemi said the Ibadan-born Billionaire ventured into the Nigerian politics with the intent of using politics as a tool for social and economic change, but could not achieve his dreams of ruling the country as a presidential hopeful on the platform of the then All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

The Governor however said that Chief Harry Akande played politics without bitterness because his decision to participate in politics was to deepen democracy and create a system that caters for the masses and not for self-aggrandisement or wealth acquisition.

“The news of Chief Akande’s death came as a shock. He was indeed a great man, and a refined politician who envisioned a system that would cater for the Nigerian masses. There’s no doubt that he had a great reputation across the globe as a successful businessman and a peace-loving politician.

“This is a great loss not only to his family and the people of Ibadan, but the country as a whole. We are however consoled by the fact he lived a good life, impacted many lives and left a good name and legacy.

“It is my prayer that the Lord will grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. On behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Government and people of Oyo State,” the Governor said.

Fayemi has meanwhile congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on his fifth coronation anniversary.

The Governor said the foremost traditional ruler has been making very significant impact in the development of Yoruba land in particular and Nigeria in general since his ascension to the exalted throne.

Dr. Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, hailed the Ooni for using his position to promote peace among the various ethnic nationalities in the country as well as working with relevant stakeholders and institutions to advance the socio- economic development of the people.

Describing Ooni Ogunwusi as a vibrant, visionary and progressive monarch, the Governor noted that the Arole Oodua has always been in the forefront of the quest for a just society where there is justice, equity and fairness.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) who described the Ooni as a “Peace Ambassador” and a “Bridge Builder”, said the royal father has always lent his voice to the unity and indivisibility of the Nigerian federation and his counsel has always helped to calm frayed nerves at critical points in the country.

He said Ooni has used his God-given wisdom, diplomacy, tact and humility to contribute to the peaceful resolution of some knotty issues in the country to the admiration of all.

Dr. Fayemi also commended the Ooni for his interest in the youths, especially in the area of project sponsorship and provision of platforms for them to showcase their God- given talents, a development that has taken many youths off the streets and given them opportunity to positively contribute to nation building.

He prayed God to grant the Ooni long life, good health and peaceful and purposeful reign to continue to contribute meaningfully to national development, unity and harmony in the country.

“On behalf of my wife, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our amiable royal father, Ooni Ogunwusi, and pray that peace, progress and prosperity continue to be the hallmark of his reign,” the Governor added.

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