Condolences as Makinde loses mother

Mrs Abigail Makinde, the mother of the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, died at the age of 81, the elder brother to the governor, Chief Muyiwa Makinde, said.

“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”, he said.

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Meanwhile, condolences and tributes have continued to pour in for the late matriarch from different quarters.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, condoled with Governor Makinde and his entire family over the passing of their mother.

The President said the testimony of love and kind-heartedness of the deceased had continued to be shared, particularly her warmth to the poor and less privileged.

Governors from Osun and Ogun as well as the Oyo State government and the Olubadan of Ibadan have all sent in their tributes and condolences to the Governor Makinde.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State said that the late Mrs. Makinde was a pillar who had left behind the legacies of service and good character.

On his part, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo 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 lifetime.

Abiodun noted that he was particularly pained by her death when preparation was in 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.

The Oyo State government in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun, expressed sadness over the demise of Mrs Makinde saying: “Our hearts are with the family, on the sudden departure of Mama, who did not show any sign of sickness until she peacefully departed this world.”

Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, described the passing of Mama Makinde as a rude shock.

The former Secretary to the Oyo State government, Akogun Sarafadeen Alli, on his part prayed for forgiveness of sins of the deceased and urged the family to take heart and be firm.