By Michael Babatunde.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has described the sudden death of her immediate predecessor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, as painful and devastating to the people of the state.
Mrs Afuye described the late Egbeyemi, a native of Ado Ekiti, as a progressive politician, who valued integrity and spartan lifestyle during his lifetime.
The Deputy Governor said this in Ado Ekiti, during a condolence visit to Egbeyemi’s family, who passed away at the early hours of Saturday, at the age of 78.
Egbeyemi, an ex-Chairman of Ado Ekiti Local Government, was the Deputy governor to the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi between 2018 and 2022.
Speaking about the life and time of the seasoned politician and what he epitomised, the Deputy Governor, urged the family to take solace in the remarkable achievements left behind by Egbeyemi, in terms of contributions to the building of Ekiti in all facets.
The Deputy Governor, who was received by the deceased’s daughter, Mrs Bolaji Olagbaju, added that Egbeyemi’s progressive instinct had etched his name in gold, as one leader with penchant for honesty , sacrifice and team spirit in the building of a state all the citizens could be proud of.
Mrs Afuye added; “We will never forget what Chief Egbeyemi did for the progress of Ekiti. He was one of the leaders , who fought hard for the creation of our dear state .
“He was outstanding in politics and this was well amplified with the way he stood with the progressives through thick and thin to entrench good governance in Ekiti.
“He was never a fair-weather politician. He was nudged throughout his political career spanning over 35 years with that progressive instinct and spirit.
“Chief Egbeyemi was outstanding in leadership, as exemplified in his charismatic leadership as Ado Ekiti council boss, a Deputy Governor, as well as a community leader, who held the traditional title of Otunba of Ado Ekiti.
“His exploits as an entrepreneur and farmer, was also superb. The late Deputy Governor, had one of the best selling sachet water industry in Ekiti. He was also the owner of the popular Crown hotel in Ado Ekiti.
“He had left a huge vacuum in the progressive political family in Ekiti and Nigeria and his footprints would ever remain indelible in the annals of history.
“I pray that the good lord will uphold and console his immediate family, Ado Ekiti citizens and the entire Ekiti people over the tragic loss of this grassroots politician.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest”, Mrs Afuye prayed.