President Muhammadu Buhari, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commiserated with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his entire family over the passing of their mother and the Matriarch of the Makinde family, Madam Omojolagbe Abigail Makinde.
The late matriarch of the Makinde dynasty died at the age of 81 at her Ikolaba residence in Ibadan.
The President sent condolences to friends, family and associates of the matriarch, whose testimony of love and kind heartedness continues to be shared, particularly her warmth to the poor and less privileged.
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Buhari urged friends and family members to find solace in the good works of the governor’s mother, who invested heavily in fear of God, love and hard work, and ensured her children and grandchildren followed same training of diligence, discipline and charity.
The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, prayed God to receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family.
Sanwo-Olu, in his condolence message, prayed God to grant the Makindes the fortitude to bear the loss.
“I commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde on the passing to eternal life of his dear mother, Mrs Abigail Makinde.
“While I extend my condolences to the Makinde family, I pray that God grants them the grace and courage to bear the loss.
“May Mama’s soul rest eternally,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Also, Ogun State governor has said he received the news of the death of Mama Makinde with great shock and disbelief.
Abiodun described Mama Makinde as a frank and straightforward woman who raised her children in a godly way and was a source of strength to those she came in contact with during her life time.
“Mama was a rare gem, a supportive wife, a loving mother who would stop at nothing to ensure the welfare of her children and others who crossed her path.
“She was not only a mother to her children, but mother to children sir other parents, as she did not discriminate, but treated everyone equally. She made positive impact on the lives of people in her community. I am sure she will greatly missed,” Abiodun said.
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He noted that he was particularly pained by her death when preparation was on top gear for her 82nd birthday, adding that with her death, the country, Oyo State and Governor Makinde had lost a good adviser, motivator and a great counsellor.
“It is a pity that mama died at a period when her wise counseling was mostly needed not only in Oyo State, but in Nigeria.
“I sympathise with my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde. I know this is indeed a trying period for him. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant him the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Abiodun said.
The governor while praying for the repose of soul of the deceased, called on Nigerians to emulate Mama Makinde who lived a life of service to humanity, saying this would imprint their names on the sand of time.
PDP National Working Committee, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and entire PDP family, had consoled Governor Makinde, over the passage of his amiable and highly revered mother.
The party said: “Our party grieves over the death of this great personality, particularly at this time Oyo state and indeed the nation at large, need her prayers, intercessions and wise counsel the most.
“Madam Makinde was a rare gem; an exceptionally resourceful, upright, straightforward and patriotic Nigerian, who sacrificially committed her life towards the good, welfare and development of others rather than herself.
“Though we deeply mourn at this point, our party draws solace from the fact that she lived a fulfilled life and bequeathed to our nation, a patriot in Governor Makinde.
“Indeed, Governor Makinde’s exceptional commitment to duty, forthrightness in governance, love for his people and Nigerians at large, all stem from the tutelage and nurturing he received from his mother.
“Our party indeed identify with Governor Makinde and the Makinde family at this moment of grief.
“We also commiserate with the government and people of Oyo state and pray God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, particularly given that she rests on in the bosom of her Lord and creator.”
A statement by Jagun Olubadan, Muyiwa Makinde, on behalf of the family had Thursday announced that the late matriarch slept peacefully in the Lord in the early hours of October 15.
“With total submission to the will of the Almighty God, we announce the passing to the great beyond of our mother, Mrs. Abigail Makinde, who departed this world in the early hours of today, Thursday, October 15, 2020.
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“Though Mama gave no indication of any sickness, she slept peacefully in the Lord at the age of 81, in the early hours of the day at her Ibadan home, 7B, Oyeleke Street, Ikolaba, Ibadan.
“While we appreciate the Almighty for sparing her life thus far, we must confess that we will sorely miss her counsel, motherly role and impact on the lives of her children and the grandchildren.
“We will equally miss her impactful role as a stabilising force in the family, her community and especially Oyo State, which is currently being governed by her son and our brother, Engineer Seyi Makinde.
“We sincerely appreciate the prayers and condolences of our numerous well-wishers.
“May Mama’s soul rest peacefully with her maker,” the statement said.
Idowu Sowunmi
