By Jeleel Olawale
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief Abiola Morakinyo, the highly revered Olufi of Gbongan, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Oyeniyi Adetoyese (Odugbemi I), and all the sons and daughters of Gbonganland over the demise of the distinguished leader and dedicated political juggernaut.
In a condolence message issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, today, the Osun State APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, stated that Chief Morakinyo’s death was shocking and a monumental loss, not only to the progressives’ family in Gbongan but to the entire Osun State and the nation at large.
Lawal described Chief Morakinyo as an exemplary leader whose lifelong dedication to progressive ideals inspired many.
He attested to the fact that Chief Morakinyo had a remarkable career marked by unwavering commitment and professionalism where he diligently served as a Chief Accountant at the Livinco Group of Companies in the United Kingdom and distinguished himself as a principled professional.
The state APC chairman recalled the affiliation of the deceased to the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo which further reflected his deep-rooted commitment to progressive politics in Nigeria.
Lawal explained that the late Chief Morakinyo lived a fulfilled life in all ramifications and that he was a Commissioner for Finance in the Old Oyo State under the late Chief Bola Ige where he distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional.
In Lawal’s words: “Chief Morakinyo exemplified the values of transparency, accountability and selfless service to the people.
“His efforts were instrumental in advancing the economic stability of the state and fostering progressive policies that left a lasting impact on the community”.
The Osun State APC chairman recalled and highlighted Chief Morakinyo’s role in founding the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998, which further solidified his position as a pillar within the progressive movement.
He stated further that the unwavering of the deceased loyalty to the party’s values and dedication to good governance remained steadfast until his final exit, marking him as a true icon of progressive principles.
The state APC chairman affirmed that Chief Morakinyo’s legacy will endure and serve as an inspiration for future generations.
According to Lawal: “Chief Abiola Morakinyo’s exemplary achievements and his unalloyed loyalty to the progressive cause will be cherished and remembered for ever
“The APC family in Osun State mourns the loss of a great leader, a patriot and a selfless political icon who left a positive indelible achievement for the mankind.
“It would not be an overstatement to observe that the late Chief Abiola Morakinyo came to this world where he saw and conquered.
“On behalf of my family, the state executive officers of our party and our members and our numerous supporters in the state, I am extending my heartfelt consolation message to the biological and political family of the departed, the Olufi of Gbongan and the entire community of Gbongan”, the state APC chairman prayed.