• Amosun, Ajimobi, Tinubu, others mourn
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Mother of the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, is dead.
She died in the early hours of Tuesday in Ilesa, Osun State at the age of 85.
THISDAY gathered that before her death, his son, Aregbesola, was away in Kebbi State for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors’ meeting.
It was not clear yesterday if she would be buried today in Ilesa according to Muslim rites.
Meanwhile, many dignitaries have consoled Aregbesola over the demise.
For instance, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunke Amosun, in a statement said the governor’s late mother, popularly called Iya Olobi, was a devout Muslim, who dedicated her life to the relentless teaching and zealous practice of the core values of Islam.
According to him, “Alhaja Aregbesola’s death is a big loss not only to her immediate and extended family members, but also to the Islamic community.
“I therefore urge the family to be consoled by the fact that she fulfilled her purpose in life by raising God-fearing children. Her exceptional humanitarian services also stand as an external testimonial, which her community will forever cherish.”
In the same vein, the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, condoled with the family.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, the governor described the late Aregbesola’s demise as depressing and disheartening.
Ajimobi, who said he received the news of Mama Aregbesola’s death with disbelief, described the deceased as a pride to womanhood and pillar of support to her son.
He prayed that Allah should grant the deceased Aljanah Firdaus and the Aregbesola family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sulaimon Lasun, expressed shock over the death of Aregbesola’s mother.
He described the deceased as a quiet mother whose life was exemplary to others as she struggled so hard to raise her children and ensured they are well protected and placed in the society.
“Mama would also be fondly remembered for life of a worthy mother who nurtured a brilliant and friendly politician like Governor Aregbesola,” he said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Wole Oladimeji.
According to him, the late Aregbesola would forever remain a veteran of democratic struggle, judging by the oppression she suffered during the 2007 election.
On his part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commiserated with Aregbesola over the passing of his mum.
Tinubu described Mama Aregbesola as a great mother who always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers.
In a condolence message issued by his media office, Tinubu said: “Mama Aregbesola was a great mother, an epitome of motherhood. She always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers through thick and thin.
“Mama was like a mother to me as well. We would miss her and her prayers. She passed on while her son was away in Kebbi State in the course of national duty.
“Governor Aregbesola was very close to his mum. I wish I could find the right word to comfort him. I have been through that way too. I know how it feels to lose a mother. A mother’s place is huge in our life. No one can take the place of our mother.
“No matter how old she may be, we never wish that our dear mother leaves us. My prayer is that our prayers help comfort Aregbesola.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitam Ogunwusi, has also commiserated with the governor, describing her mother as an epitome of motherhood worthy of emulation by any reasonable woman with desire of raising successful children through whom she would be forever celebrated.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is currently on a private visit in London, expressed condolence in a statement signed by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, urging the good people of the state and Yoruba race in general to join Aregbesola and siblings in the celebrations of their mother who had laboured to raise him with discipline, virtues and Godliness which has reflected in the life the governor whom he called an Omoluwabi per excellence.
Also, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has condoled with the governor Aregbesola over his mother’s death.
Omisore, in a condolence message issued by his media office in Lagos, noted that the late Alhaja Aregbesola popularly known as Iya Olobi, was a devoted Muslim who lived a life worthy of emulation.
“I commiserate with our state Governor, Aregbesola and his siblings and other family members on the death of their matriarch today. I extend my deepest sympathy and pray that the Almighty Allah grants her Al-jannah Fidau. No matter how old our parents lived, when they die, they leave a sore pain in our hearts. I pray God grants the families the fortitude to bear the loss,” Omisore consoled.
The Osun State House of Assembly, in a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye described Governor Aregbesola’s mother as a very charitable and benevolent woman who not only love his family, her God and people in her community
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