The former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Adesuyi Haastrup has commiserated with the family of Senator Isiaka Adeleke over the death of the former Governor and lawmaker.
Adeleke died in a hospital in Osogbo, Osun on Sunday at the age of 62 years.
Haastrp, who served as the Deputy Governor of Osun State when Adeleleke was governor also commiserated with the people of Ede and Osun State over the demise of the late Senator.
Haastrup said, “I received with shock the news of the demise of Senator lsiaka Adeleke.
“I recall with nostalgia the commitment and enviable achievements of the first civilian administration of Osun State under Governor Isiaka Adeleke, whom I had the privilege of working with as first elected Deputy Governor.
“We had the unique opportunity of piloting the affairs of our young state for almost two years before the military interregnum which cut the life of that administration short.
“Senator Isiaka Adeleke was a selfless and committed leader who exhibited unparalleled passion and love for the good people of Osun State.
“My prayers and thoughts are with his family and loved ones and with the people of Ede, his hometown at this difficult period in time.
“I pray that God Almighty will rest his soul in peace,” Haastrup said.
The late Isiaka Adeleke was a three-time Senator who represented Osun West Senatorial District. He had, at various times, served as the Chairman of the Governing Council, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Calabar.
In 1992, he was elected the first civilian Governor of Osun State on the platform of the now defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), while Haastrup was elected Deputy Governor. Some of the notable achievements of the Adeleke-Haastrup administration include the establishment of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree; the establishment of a college of technology at Esa-Oke and the completion of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC).
In 2008, Adeleke instituted a scholarship award for about 100 indigent students in tertiary institutions across the country.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 2007 to 2011, Adeleke supported the rights of Nigerians living abroad to vote in Nigerian elections.
Tag: ADELEKE
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Former deputy governor mourns Adeleke
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Adeleke family rejects inquest ordered by govt
The late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke’s family yesterday denounced the coroner’s inquest ordered by the Osun State government to determine the cause of his death.
It advised indigenes to discountenance “this kangaroo inquest into the death of our beloved Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s younger brother, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, at a news briefing in Ede, described the inquest as self-serving.
Accompanied by the late politician’s son, Dele and siblings, Dupe Adeleke-Sani, and Demola, Dr. Adeleke said: “We condemn the continuous politicisation attempts by the state of this great loss to our family, particularly the ordering of this inquest at a time we are still coming to terms with the harsh reality of his sudden departure and the pain and grief therefrom.
“As part of our attempts to reach closure and begin our healing process, the family had ordered an autopsy to be carried out. This is the only scientific and globally acceptable means of objectively determining the cause of his death and we look forward to the reports. This is irrespective of the obvious infrastructural and technological limitations of medical laboratories.
“We have been informed by sources that the outcome of the ‘kangaroo inquest’ is predetermined by the state and designed to serve its own interest with distorted facts and misinformation, which will not be in the interest of the people of Osun State in general and the Adeleke family in particular.
“We have, therefore, as a family resolved not to participate or cooperate with the ‘kangaroo’ styled panel set up by the government, as it was clearly to serve the state’s political interests and ultimate establishment of its own self-serving ‘facts.’ While everyone, including any government, is entitled to his/her own opinion, the government inquest is an attempt to create its own ‘alternative facts.’ Facts are sacred and truth is constant. Alternative facts are nothing but falsehood.
“We are, therefore, compelled to reject the inquest with its predetermined outcome. We enjoin the peace-loving people of Osun State to discountenance this ‘kangaroo’ inquest into the death of our beloved Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.”
He challenged the government to explain to the people why it was in a hurry to order an inquest, when report of the autopsy ordered by the Adeleke family is yet to be delivered to the family.
“We wish to reiterate in strongest terms that the report of the autopsy ordered by the family must be released to no one else other than the Adeleke family. To do otherwise by the medical team conducting the autopsy will be tantamount to gross professional misconduct actionable with appropriate sanctions in law.
“We hope the concerned pathologists, who we regard and recognise as eminent and thoroughbred practitioners, will act according to their professional calling and oath by expeditiously concluding the autopsy and delivering the report to the Adeleke family, who are the only ones entitled to it.”
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Eighth Day fidau prayer for Adeleke in Ede
The eighth day prayer (Fida’u) for late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke was held yesterday in Ede, Osun State, amid praises and commendations.
Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, his deputy, Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola were among dignitaries at the event.
Others include former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, House Of Representatives Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuff, former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former House of Representatives Speaker Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, member of Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, former Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner For Justice, Niyi Owolade and former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Musilu Smith.
Traditional rulers at the event included Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Olusola Lawal; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi; Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almaroof Adekunle Magbagbeola; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin and Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi.
Through Adeoti, the Osun State government described Adeleke as a grassroots politician whose legacy would ever remain indelible in the political history of the nation.
Oyinlola and Alao-Akala said Adeleke was a good ambassador of Ede who served Osun State and Nigeria meritoriously.
The Chief Imam Offa in Kwara State, Sheik Muideen Salman, who noted that it has been destined that the deceased would die the way died, charged the people to take his death as the will of God.
According to the cleric, nobody could kill anyone unless God allowed it to hapoen.
However, he charged the political office holders to emulate the good deeds of Adeleke and be generous to the people, especially the less privileged.
Referring to late Adeleke as an enbodiment of simplicity and generosity, he said the deceased’s positive impacts on the downtrodden would forever linger in the memory of the people.
He said: “Adeleke’s destiny is favourable to humanity. So, I implore eveybody, especially the new breed politicians to learn from his ways of life. It is not only Adeleke that has gone with the wind mercy has equally gone with him.”
Also, the security was tight at the event to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.
Combined team of security agencies including the police, men of the State Security Service, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Road Safety Service Commission and other para-military organizations were deployed to the Ede country home of the late Adeleke and other strategic positions in Ede to provide security for the guests. -
Adeleke lived life worthy of emulation
•Aregbesola leads state burial for Osun first civilian governor
Clerics yesterday in Ede, home country of first civilian governor of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, described his life as a worthy of emulation.
Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola led other dignitaries at the eighth day Fida’u at Ede.
Adeleke died on April 23.
He was 62.
Aregbesola led Osun State officials to the prayers where the family and well-wishers gathered to pray God for the repose of the soul of the former governor.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, who spoke briefly on behalf of the government, prayed for the repose of the soul of the late senator.
The gathering was attended by former governors, lawmakers, monarchs, friends and well-wishers, who paid their last respect to the deceased and commiserated with his family.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late politician, who was the Asiwaju of Ede.
Two Islamic clerics emphasised the emptiness of the world and praised the sterling qualities of the late senator.
They disproved the insinuation that Adeleke was killed by some forces within the political circle, saying only God, who created souls, can take them as He pleases without consultation with anyone.
The Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muideen Salmon Hussein, noted that except Allah wills that a person be killed in a particular circumstance, no one else can kill such a person.
According to him, Allah is the custodian of everything He created and He does with them as it pleases Him, including allotting them a time to die.
The Muslim scholar said that was what happened to Adeleke.
He said: “No one can kill a fellow human being except with the knowledge and permission of Allah. It is Allah Who creates and it is He that kills. So, the notion that Senator Isiaka Adeleke was killed was erroneous.
“We should erase it from our minds and our thoughts that some people killed Adeleke. Allah created Adeleke; He made Adeleke governor. He gave him good life. He blessed him. He made him Senator. In fact, Allah made all Adeleke became in life possible.
“Who then killed him? The same Allah! That is the age Allah allotted him to spend on the surface of the Earth. Don’t let us say what will infuriate Allah because Adeleke’s death was painful to us.
“He lived one year less than Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Adeleke spent 62 years while Prophet spent 63…”
We should therefore be thankful to Allah that Adeleke led a good life, one worthy of emulation.” -
Adeleke: Osun sets up inquest
An inquest into the death of Osun State’s first civilian governor, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, was announced yesterday.
A “special statement” by the state government said the move became imperative to put the record straight, following the disruption of the burial arrangements by some “miscreants masquerading as mourners”.
The statement alleged that the unruly behaviour of the self-acclaimed mourners stopped friends and political associates from paying their last respects to the late Adeleke, who until his death at 62 on April 23, was the Senator representing Osun West District.
The statement reads: “We are still in shock and great pain over the transition of our friend, associate and brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. He was a prominent son of our state and its first democratically elected governor.
“Until his death, he was the senator representing Osun West in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was an astute and colourful politician and a generous personality. He was gregarious, enthusiastic and full of life and zest. His death is therefore shocking and totally unexpected.
“The State Government of Osun had intended to give him a befitting state burial which he rightly deserved and which the state had prepared to undertake.
“Regrettably, however, the enemies of the state, through brigandage, violence and evil machinations, created an atmosphere of fear and terror in the minds of our citizenry and friends throughout the federation.
“Immediately the news of his demise filtered in, a band of vagabonds, crying more than the bereaved, took to the streets, looting and wreaking havoc. Journalists were roughened and their equipment damaged. Important dignitaries that came for the burial were equally molested by these thugs.
“Senator Adeleke was a man of peace. He preached peace and lived it through his life. He left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he could not stand violence. This was after he was beaten up by some leaders of the PDP during a meeting in a hotel in Osogbo.
“It is a profound irony and most unfortunate therefore that a few disgruntled elements purporting to protest his death desecrated his funeral with violence and attacks on innocent persons. They dishonoured him and did his memory a great disservice by keeping his friends, political associates and well-wishers away from his burial.
“In the light of this, the State Government of Osun, using the instrumentality of the law, is setting up an inquest to unravel the circumstances of this unfortunate and sad incident, in order to put the record straight on his death.
“We continue to mourn the untimely death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. He is irreplaceable in our hearts. We commiserate with his family, the good people of Ede, associates, friends, constituents and generality of our peopleon the passage of this patriot. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we equally pray for the strength to bear this heavy loss.”
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‘My encounter with Adeleke six hours before his death’
ASSOCIATES, many family members, political supporters and associates of the late first civilian governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, who died suddenly in the early hours of last Sunday, are still in deep shock. Smarting from the pains of his death, some of them, who spoke with our correspondent, said they could not imagine their lives without him.
Until his death, Adeleke, who represented Osun West Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, was widely acclaimed as a friend of the poor. The politician breathed his last at Biket Medical Centre, a private hospital located in Osogbo in Osun State, after suffering severe pains in his stomach and one of his legs.
From his wife and children to his siblings, friends, political associates and supporters, no one was ready to talk about him yet. They expressed their grief and pains in manners that made it difficult for the reporter to get them to talk about the deceased. Four days after his death, the atmosphere at Adeleke’s Ede country home remained gloomy. Sympathisers trooped in from different parts of the country as the bereaved family members lamented the fate that befell them. They felt particularly bad that the late political bigwig could not live beyond 62 years to continue his good service to humanity.
Family members and supporters had looked eagerly forward to the great wedding ceremony Adeleke was planning for one of his beautiful daughters before the end of the year. He had planned a big bash to be hosted in Ede, the town he loved so much, it was gathered. But the ceremony would now not go the way he and family members desired as he was said to have planned to host who is who from all walks of life and bring them together to interact with the poor and many Ede natives.
But an associate of the late senator, Akeem Obia, an auditor in Ede North Local Government, said he really benefited from the deceased’s generosity. Obia, a physically challenged man who walks with the aid of crutches, was at Adeleke’s tomb to pay homage to him and pray for the repose of the soul of his mentor and benefactor.
He recalled that he saw the deceased about six hours before his death. According to him, he was with Adeleke till 1.43 am before the late senator retired into his mansion the very day he died. He said, Oga (master), as Adeleke was fondly called by his hangers on, had complained of pains in his leg and had to lean on Salami Morufu, another associate of the deceased, to help him get inside the house.
Amid sobs, Obia said: “I left Oga around 1.43 am on Sunday after accompanying him to a social event at Kuta-Ile-Ogbo and two other places in Iwo. The last place was at Ori-Eru in Iwo. Oga was full of life throughout the day. I was surprised when one of us called a few hours later to ask if I had heard that our benefactor was dead. I lost control of myself.”
Two women, Alhaja Bola Salam and Mrs. Omodele Samuel, who got to know Adeleke through his younger sister, Mrs. Dupe Adeleke-Sani, described the late Adeleke as a rear gem. Samuel supplied planks to the late Adeleke’s family whenever there was a building construction going on in the family. Devastated, she said was in the church where she received the death of Adeleke with shock.
She said: “I was in the church and had put my cell phones on silence mode. I got 52 missed calls and suspected something bad might have happened. On calling back one of the callers, I received the sad news of the senator’s death.”
Salam too said she and her family members had benefited a lot from Adeleke through his younger sister, Dupe. “Adeleke family is a blessing to mankind,” she said.
Violent scenes had attended his burial as his loyalists vented their anger on some politicians who attended the burial ceremony at his Ede country home. Sensing trouble, Adeleke’s immediate younger brother, Deji, had addressed a press conference to dispel rumours about the result of the autopsy conducted on him. He said the cause of his brother’s death was yet to be determined. He advised Nigerians to ignore “gossips” in the social media attributing Adeleke’s death to an overdose of injection. He said it would take one to two weeks before the result of the autopsy would be ready.
Saying that the Adeleke family was still grieving over his death, he advised his brother’s supporters to shun violence and maintain peace as a mark of honour to the memory of the deceased. He noted that the late Adeleke ought to have been buried earlier than Monday as a Muslim but the family resolved to do an autopsy on him to know the true cause of his death. According to him, the late Adeleke was not a violent politician, therefore the youths should not engage in destructive activities on account of his name.
He said: “My brother never encouraged thuggery or violence during his life time. His death is painful and the family is still dreaming weather he is alive or not because our brother was not sick before his sudden death. We have cried and cried but we cannot query God. However, we want to mourn our late brother in peace and not with violence. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the people to stop speculations and spreading of rumours about the cause of his death.”
He insisted that nobody could determine the cause of his brother’s death until the autopsy result was out.
Also, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rashhed Adewale Akanbi, addressed a press conference in his palace to warn against the spread of unhealthy rumour about the death of the late Senator Adeleke, which he described as a personal loss to Iwo community. The monarch said his demise had thrown the community into confusion as it was one loss too many.
To douse the tension emerging from insinuations that Adeleke was poisoned at a social function he attended at Iwo, he cautioned “disgruntled elements” who have been promoting discord, disunity and animosity over the death of the senator to desist from doing so in the interest of peace and tranquility. According to him, death will come when it will come, and it is a divine command that no leaf would fall off a tree without the express knowledge and approval of the Almighty God.
He said: “I am bereaved. The who is who in Iwoland are bereaved. A giant fish has left the ocean. One of my sons is gone. It will be pretty difficult to find Adeleke’s replacement. The best honour that can be accorded the late senator is to sustain the peaceful relationship between the people of Ede and Iwo. I am sounding a note of warning that the efforts of indigenes and inhabitants of both Iwo and Ede should be geared towards promotion of unity in the two communities.”
The monarch prayed to Almighty God to grant the children, widows, the people of Ede and Iwo and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the fortitude to bear the loss.
The feeling of one of his very close aides and associates for more than two decades, Alhaji Olumide Lawal, who was his Special Adviser on Media, typifies the pains many of his admirers.
He said: “Adeleke is my brother, a fantastic boss and a benefactor. He remains the best politician ever that I worked with. I enjoyed every moment with him. He lived for the people and many times made great sacrifices for the poor.
“I have retired from working for any politician and dropped my pen, and will go and rest to remember his sweet memories.”
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Alimikhena mourns Adeleke
the Deputy whip of the Senate, Senator Francis Alimikhena, has expressed shock over the sudden death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
He express sadness for the loss, saying: “Senator Adeleke died when his services and wisdom was needed most by both the Senate, Nigerians and the people of Osun State where he has serve as the first civilian Governor with remarkable contribution and impact.”
He added: “Senator Adeleke was a leader of rare character. He was an honest man, an extraordinary politician, a great leader and a man of principle. His character was legendary, particularly the demdemonstration of his vast knowledge and elderly wisdom in expressing his contributions in the Senate.”
The Deputy whip who represent Edo North said: “Nigerians will certainly miss the man who left a lasting stamp in Osun State. He stressed: “Adeleke will be remembered for his very unique and purposeful leadership. He will also be remembered by Nigerians as a brave leader who has given the people of Osun State a worthy representation In the Senate.
“While we joined the family to mourn the painful departure, He encouraged the people of Osun to find consolation in the fact that Senator Adeleke lived a life worthy of emulation and his contributions to humanity can’t be forgotten.
“It is my prayers to our Heavenly Father to grant our great colleague and brother eternal rest. May God also comfort his family at this very difficult moment of grief.”
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Senate to hold valedictory session for Adeleke today
Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday asked senators to attend valedictory session planned today for late Senator Isiaka Adeleke.
Saraki gave the mandate before the upper chamber adjourned plenary in honour of the late Osun West senator.
The mood in the chamber was indicative of the loss of a man at peace with all senators.
It started with Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan formerly announcing the demise of Adeleke.
Lawan, who came under Order 43 (personal explanation), said it was with heavy heart that he announced Adeleke’s death.
He prayed the Senate, in line with “convention and practice of the National Assembly”, to adjourn plenary in honour of Adeleke.
He urged the Senate to observe one minute silence as a mark of respect for their departed colleague.
Lawan said a session of tribute would be held today in honour of Adeleke.
The Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda, seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted.
After observing a minute silence in honour of Adeleke, Saraki adjourned plenary till 10am today.
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Saraki, senators visit Adeleke family
Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday led a delegation of senators to commiserate with the family of the late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke at their country home in Ede, Osun State.
Senators on the delegation include Babajide Omoworare, Osun East; Fatai Buhari, Oyo North; Gbenga Ashafa, Lagos East; Monsurat Sumonu, Oyo Central among others.
Speaking with reporters, Saraki described the deceased as a simple politician with a pure heart.
In his word: “Adeleke is an intelligentsia of note in the Nigerian politics, whose legacy would ever remain written in the Guinness book of achievers.”
Saraki stressed that Adeleke was a jovial personality with outstanding motivating characteristics.
He also prayed to God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the “irreparable loss”.
Saraki, who said though Adeleke could no longer be seen in the physical, maintained that his good works would ever linger in the minds of those that appreciate the achievements of a genius.
Saraki while appealing to the people of Ede community on his death, urged them to submit to fate, saying every one would miss him.
The late Isiaka Adeleke younger brother, Deji, expressed appretiation to the delegation and prayed to God to forgive the departed soul. -
Adeleke: Osun declares three days mourning
The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has directed the declaration of a three-day period of mourning throughout the state.
The Governor made this announcement in honour of the departed first Civilian Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.
A statement from Director, Bureau of Communication & Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, noted that the three-day mourning period commences from Monday, April 24, 2017.
“During the period of mourning, all flags are to fly half mast,” the statement read.