Osun State Gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji and a former gubernatorial aspirant, Dotun Babayemi have expressed deep sadness over the passing of Prince Engr. Tunde Ponle, extending heartfelt condolences to his wife, the former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Ponle.
The death of Prince Ponle was announced in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness.
Oyebamiji in a condolence statement personally signed described the late business mogul as a thoroughbred professional, successful business mogul and philanthropist par excellence.
He condoled the wife, children and bereaved family on the passing of their loved one.
“On behalf of my family, I heartily commiserate with the family of late Prince Tunde Ponle. It is on record that Prince Ponle lived a worthy life filled with indellible imprints and inimitable legacies that would forever be remembered by generations yet to come.”
“As a successful business mogul and philanthropist par excellence, Prince Ponle devoted all to serve his Creator and humanity. He was known for his exceptional leadership qualities and philosophy. His role to the socioeconomic advancement of our dear state can not be overemphasized.”
“I specifically commiserate with our mother, former Deputy Governor of our dear state, Chief Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Ponle, children and bereaved family on this unfortunate loss. I pray God to grant you all fortitude and strength to bear the irreplaceable loss”, Oyebamiji mourned.
Similarly, Dotun Babayemi described the late Prince Ponle as a man of immense depth, discipline, and vision whose contributions to national development and sportsmanship remain indelible.
The statement eulogized the deceased not just as an accomplished administrator, but as a pioneer who utilized his professional acumen to foster unity.
“Prince Engr. Ponle was a man of depth, discipline, and vision. As an accomplished administrator and the founder of the MicCom Golf Conference in Ada, he distinguished himself as a bridge-builder who used professionalism, sportsmanship, and leadership to foster meaningful connections and development,” the statement read.
He further noted that the death of the elder statesman is a painful loss, adding that his wisdom and mentorship will be sorely missed by the many lives he touched.
“This is indeed a painful loss, not only to his family but to all who benefitted from his wisdom, mentorship, and administrative competence.”
While praying for the repose of his soul, the statement prayed for God to grant the Laoye-Ponle family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May God grant comfort and fortitude to his loved ones, and may his legacy of integrity and purpose continue to inspire. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Prince Tunde Ponle was a renowned engineer and the founder of the popular MicCom Golf Hotels & Resort in Ada, Osun State, widely regarded as the first private indigenous golf course in Nigeria.