…describes him as a loyal, honest and dependable ally
Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Saturday, eulogized Late Chief Joel Afolabi Ogundeji, as a loyal, honest and reliable Deputy when he served as Governor of Kwara state for eight years.
Saraki, who was Kwara state Governor from 2003-2011, said it was not just an honour working closely with him as his deputy; he was one of the beneficiaries of the goodness that the late Ogundeji exhibit as a great man.
According to a statement signed by Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, his Press Officer on Local Matters, the former Senate President spoke today while giving his goodwill message at the funeral service of the late Chief Joel Afolabi Ogundeji at 2nd ECWA Church, Iwo-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Saraki, who led several dignitaries to pay his last respect to his deputy described him as a fantastic, loyal and humble man, who was although old then, but very young at heart and actively performed his constitutional role as deputy.
The statement issued by Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, his Press Officer on Local Matters, quoted Saraki as saying, “I thank God because for the eight years he worked with me, he was a fantastic and very humble man. I learnt a lot from him, in patience, loyalty and hardwork.
“He was a very honest man, always there. And for him, he was never a spare tyre. He was a full-fledged deputy Governor. People used to say Baba Deputy Governor, but he was very young at heart, in fact he was a lover of sport, particularly football.”
He charged the congregation to emulate his good deeds so they can also be celebrated even while they are gone.
While thanking his wife, children and family members for the love they showed him always, he promised to always be there for them.
“We thank God for what he did with his life. It is not how long but how well. I cannot thank mama and the children enough for the support.
“For the family, we have become family now. We shall always be together as one,” he said.
The former Senate President prayed God to grant the late Ogundeji a peaceful rest.
Representing the family, one of the children of the late former Deputy Governor, eulogized Saraki for the late good working relationship his father enjoyed with him as Governor for eight years. He also lauded him for sustaining the relationship all through his lifetime and after.
“The former Senate President has not only been supportive since the demise of Baba Ogundeji in all ramifications, he also lived up to his word to be present at the funeral.
“He promised that even if he is in the United States of America during the funeral ceremony, he will come, and today, he is here with us,” he said.
The representative of the Emir of Ilorin, the Olusin of Ijara-Isin, HRH, Oba Ajibola Ademola Julius, applauded the former Governor of Kwara State and his deputy, for several developmental strides that Isin land witnessed during their tenure.
While also giving his goodwill message at the service, popular business tycoon, Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf Ibitoye, Chairman Kam Nigeria Ltd, also testified to the dedication of Saraki and his late deputy to the development of Kwara while in office.
He sought the indulgence of the entire congregation to pray for Saraki for God’s protection and divine guidance in his future endeavours.
The late Chief Joel Afolabi Ogundeji died after a brief illness in Ilorin on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the ripe age of 80yrs.
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