The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has described the life and time of the late Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti, Barrister Paul Omotosho as short, but replete with fulfilments and positive impact in all spheres.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, stated this at the Christian wake held at the late Omotosho’s residence in Imesi Ekiti on Thursday.
Omotosho, also a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and ex-Party’s Scribe, died during a brief illness on April 5, 2024. He was aged 60.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by top government functionaries, traditional and religious leaders, political bigwigs and residents of the town, Oyebanji hailed Omotosho for his honesty and firmness in his services to the state in various high positions he held during his lifetime.
In unequivocal terms, the Governor stated that history will continue to remember Omotosho glowingly for his unflagging belief in progressive politics going by the trajectory of his flourishing and captivating political career that helped in accelerating development pace in Ekiti.
“Death will come when it will come. There is nothing we can do about it. It is not how long, but how well . To us, his reign on earth might be short, but I think he finished strong and fulfilled with the way he lived his life and impacted on the people around him.
“He was a very humble man. A listening leader and one who was down to earth on all issues. He was a strong party man and reliable community leader. In fact, he will be sorely missed by all of us.
“But we should be comforted by the fact that he came, he saw and he conquered. We should pray that God should grant him eternal rest. We should also show support for his family, that is what we owe him at this trying time.
“To us as a government, we will do everything to keep him alive in our memories. The governor has promised not to abandon you and I know he will keep to that”, Oyebanji assured.
Also speaking about Omotosho’s glowing and exemplary virtues as a party man, the Acting APC State Chairman, Barr. Sola Elesin, disclosed that the deceased would be fondly remembered as a unifier and a lover of peace, which he said reflected with the way he instilled unity in Ekiti APC.
“If you are hearing about continuity, development in governance, that was Paul Omotoso for you. Few weeks ago, we came here to celebrate his freedom from the kidnappers before this suddenly happened.
“His plan was that the APC will be able to stabilise governance in Ekiti like Lagos, by winning the next elections, but God Knows better and he has plans for every human being. We must accept this painful situation as a will of God”.
In his exhortation entitled: “We Are Strangers and Sojourners on Earth”, a Cleric and Vicar in charge of Saint James’ Anglican Church, Imesi Ekiti, Ven. Olatoye Kehinde, described Omotoso’s death as very sad and devastating, but urged his admirers to take solace in the fact that he lived an exemplary life.
Showering eulogies on the deceased after quoting 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 Verse 10, the Cleric disclosed that Omotoso’s humility, accessibility and sense of hardwork will continue to linger in the hearts of the people for long, saying he had etched his name in the minds of the people as a parent, politician and community leader.
“We are all strangers and sojourners on earth. Whichever positions you are holding, use it to serve God and humanity, that was exactly what Barrister Paul Omotosho did. He remained an exemplar, let us fear God and serve humanity the way he did and your life and time after here shall be glorious.
“Whatever we do on that, we will account for all our deeds. If you use your position and influence to cheat your followers, you will surely account for it on the day of judgement”, the Cleric warned.
Dignitaries at the event were: Ekiti APC Acting Chairman, Hon. Sola Elesin, APC State Chairman in Lagos, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, his Benue counterpart, Mr Augustine Agada, members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Bamisile and Hon. Akinluyi Kolawole, and lawmaker representing Gbonyin State Constituency, Hon. Teju Okuyiga.
Others included: Commissioners for Rural Development, Hon. Femi Awe, his counterpart in Information Ministry, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Chairmen of Local Governments, among other top government functionaries and politicians, who came to pay last respect to the departed political juggernaut.