Dr Samuel Ibiyemi: We lost him at a time Ife needed him the most — Hon. Adeyeni

By Jeleel Olawale

Hon. Busola Adeyeni, a former House of Assembly member and Chairman, Ife-East Local Government, Oke-Ogbo, has described the death of Publisher, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper, Prince Samuel Ibiyemi as a loss to Ile-ife.

According to Adeyeni, “The news of his death came to me personally as a shock because I didn’t expect he would die suddenly like that. He is diligent and hardwork. He is humble and gentle. I met him in 2018 when he was contesting for Governorship election in Osun. Ife has just lost one of its prominent sons.

“He is a man that loves all around. Many have not come out of the rude shock. I pray God be with his wife and family he left behind. He has left a huge vacuum difficult to fill. APC has lost an icon and a gem. I am not sure if the space he left behind can be filled soonest.

“We have the thought in APC that he would take the banner of APC to highest level because he is together and related well with all members. He resolved acrimony in the party in recent time. He puts his resources together to move the party forward,” Adeyeni said.

Speaking further, he revealed that, “We have started enjoying him in Ife Development Board because we have drawn him to the apex Ile Ife organisation of sons and daughters because he is a promising man for Ife. Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has just talked to him to draw him back to Ife development plan agenda especially in his field of journalism.

“I met IDB President immediately after his demise, while discussig him, the President wept. Everybody is crying because we don’t know how to explain his death. We lost him at a time we need him most in Ile-Ife as a society.

“The shock of his death is still much with us. Ile Ife has lost a promising son. He is a responsible man. The widow should believe in God. Though, the space he left behind will be difficult to fill. No one can occupy the space now. The affection and love the man has given to his family is unparalleled.

“Ibiyemi has left a good legacy. If you see him, you will discover that he is gentle. He has an intimidating resumee. He is man of God and worthy of emulation. The way he approaches issues is unique. I will miss him dearly. In fact, I have not come out of the shock.”