By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has mourned the demise of Osogbo-born business mogul, Alhaji Ahmed Omidiran, who passed on earlier yesterday at the age of 95.
Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, described the death of the Asiwaju of Osogboland as shocking and a huge gap in an era of philanthropy typified by the deceased business mogul.
The Governor who lauded the tremendous contributions of the deceased to the socioeconomic growth and development of the state, said the late Omidiran will be forever remembered for his noble roles towards the creation of Osun out of the old Oyo State.
He said the news of his death came to him with sadness in view of his inestimable gesture, passion and vision to build Osun of the collective dream of the founding fathers.
Oyetola who commiserated with the children, wives and entire family of the deceased also sympathised with the leadership of Osogbo Progressive Union, Osogbo Muslim Community as well as sons and daughters of Osogbo on the transition of one of their pillars.
He prayed Allah to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, bestow on the deceased the finest place in paradise and make Aljana Firdaus his eternal abode.
“The news of the death of our great father, mentor, socioeconomic and political pillar, Asiwaju Ahmed Omidiran, came to me as a surprise. We have lost a man of valour, a philanthropist par excellence and a significant contributor to the creation of our dear State.
“Indeed, his death is heart-aching, heart-rending and desolating for all he lived for, but we thank Almighty Allah for a life well spent and committed to the service God and humanity. We commiserate with the people of Osogbo, Muslim Community and indeed leadership and members of Osogbo Progressive Union.
“We pray Allah to grant his gentle soul eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he added.