The Omu-Aran Traditional Council of Chiefs in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Friday says it received the news of the death of Retired Brig.-Gen. David Bamigboye with shock and disbelief.

Chief Jide Adebayo, the Eesa of Omu-Aran, who spoke on behalf of the Chiefs and the Olomu-In-Council, described Bamigboye’s death as not only a big loss to Omu-Aran but Kwara State as a whole.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bamigboye, who was the first Military Governor of Kwara, was said to have died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos after a brief illness at the age of 78.

Bamigboye’s death was confirmed to NAN by his younger brother, Retired Col. Theophilus Bamigboye, a former Military Administrator of Bauchi and Osun states, on the telephone.

The council said Bamigboye, while alive, represented a symbol of unity and cohesion of the historical ancient community of Omu-Aran.

According to the council, his tenure at the helm of the state’s affairs witnessed tremendous progress coupled with landmark achievements.

“By his own efforts and providence, he brought Omu-Aran into prominence when Omu-Aran was made the headquarters of Igbomina and Ekiti Divisions of Kwara State.

“We will forever appreciate Gen. Bamigboye for his contributions to the development of our community and the state in general.

“In Omu-Aran, he will be seriously missed by the people and we will continue to remember him for his great worth as an embodiment of honesty and community leadership,’’ the council added.

Also speaking, Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), said the association was still in a state of shock and disbelief over the sudden death of Bamigboye.

Adeyemi described the deceased as an epitome of honesty, generosity, diligence and always with strong passion toward contributing his quota to the development of the community in spite of his health challenges.

According to him, the community, especially members of the association will miss his fatherly role and pieces of advice.

Adeyemi prayed to God to give the family, the state and the community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, people across the community had continued to throng the residence of the deceased around Omoniyepe area, along Omu-Aran-Ilofa Highway, to sympathise with the family over the incident.

Madam Adetutu Lambe, a junior sister to the deceased, was seen being consoled by family members when NAN correspondent visited the premises around 3 p.m. on Friday.

Mrs Raliat Oyinloye, Directress Omoniyepe Hotels, Omu-Aran, a senior sister to the deceased, said Bamigboye’s demise was a colossal loss to the family.

“We can only look up to God for His Comfort over the tragedy that befell our family,” she said.

Bamigboye, who was the title holder of Esinkin Olomu of Omu-Aran was the first Military Governor of Kwara State between May 1967 and July 1975.

Born on Dec. 7, 1940, he was credited with establishing the Kwara State Polytechnic, former Kwara State School of Technology in 1972, among his landmark achievements. (NAN)

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