Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has expressed shock over the death of the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotoso, who passed on Tuesday night, while Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi said that the party has lost its pillar in the state.
The Governor in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was shocked and devastated by the news of the demise of the party chairman because he didn’t show any sign of illness during their last meeting.
Oyebanji who said he is yet to come to terms with the demise of the APC chairman, described Omotoso as a dependable brother and ally, who was a great and invaluable asset to the APC family as well as the government.
According to him, Omotoso would be eternally remembered as the first party chairman in the state to achieve a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State.
The Governor stated that the deceased’s selflessness and sacrifices contributed to the internal cohesion which made the Ekiti APC an unstoppable election winning machine in local government, state and national elections conducted during his chairmanship.
This, he said, was made possible by Omotoso’s administrative acumen, diligence, maturity, managerial and diplomatic skills as well as conflict resolution ingenuity which he deployed in managing the affairs of the party and its teeming members.
Oyebanji noted that Omotoso was a man of impact endowed with wisdom which he brought to bear in party and state matters as he was always ready to offer his wise counsel at critical points when such was needed.
He stressed that Omotoso excelled in the previous public offices he held including Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Commissioner for Environment and Commissioner for Special Duties.
Governor Oyebanji added that the deceased’s stellar performance as the APC state secretary contributed immensely to his emergence as the state chairman for two terms noting that these speak volumes about his loyalty, commitment, integrity and competence.
“We’ve lost a dependable pillar in Ekiti development and a partner in our development effort as a government. We’ve lost a great leader, a peacemaker, a humble servant of the people and an altruistic party organiser.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late chairman and the people of Imesi Ekiti and the entire members of APC.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. We pray God grant them and every one of us the fortitude to bear this great loss. And may God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, former Governor Kayode Fayemi in a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday and signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi noted that the sudden departure of the party chairman has left a void difficult to fill within the APC family in Ekiti State and in all those who knew the departed Party leader.
He described the late Omotosho as a tireless dedicated leader, unifier, pillar of the party in the state leader and steadfast supporter of the APC’s principles and agenda in Ekiti State.
He said, “Under his stewardship, our party achieved significant victories in recent elections, gaining the trust of our people. This wouldn’t have been possible without his commitment to uniting our members and working selflessly for the greater good of our state and nation.”
Fayemi recalled that Omotosho was a long-standing progressive who had been an official of the party since the Alliance for Democracy (AD) days and later was Secretary and chairman of APC, after serving as Commissioner for Local Government and Environment between 2010 and 2014, during Fayemi’s first term as governor.
The late party chairman, a close ally of Fayemi, was steadfast throughout the trials and tribulations of gubernatorial politics in Ekiti and the usual vicissitudes of political turncoats. He was a stout defender of the Party, maintaining the same level of support for the incumbent Government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Fayemi added: “Omotosho’s contributions and sacrifices for our party will never be forgotten. He was a man of integrity who led by example, inspiring the party faithful with his passion for service and dedication. His leadership kept us united and focused on our mission even in the face of challenges.
“Ekiti State and the APC have lost a pillar, a grassroots mobilizer, and a committed leader. We mourn this devastating loss, but we take solace in the lasting legacy and sterling example he leaves behind.
“His ideals and examples will continue to guide us as we rededicate ourselves to the vision of a more prosperous Ekiti. In this moment of sorrow, I urge all members and supporters of our party to remain strong and united in honouring the memory of our late chairman.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my deep condolences to the Ekiti State chapter of the APC, the family and associates of the late Chairman and the people of Ekiti on this irreparable loss.
‘’May the soul of the deceased rest in peace, and may God grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss,” Feyemi stated.
