Sadness, shock trail Jide Adebayo’s death

Prominent sons and daughters of Omu-Aran Community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara have expressed shock over the death of Chief Jide Adebayo.

Adebayo, a former Executive Director and Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), died on Thursday in a Lagos Hospital.

They expressed their grief in the condolence register opened for the late Adebayo at his Afin Family House in the town, describing his departure “as a rude shock”.

Retired Maj.-Gen. Lasisi Abidoye, a close friend of Adebayo, also the President of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

Adebayo, until his death at 66, was the Eesa of Omu-Aran, second-in-command to the traditional ruler of the community, which is equivalent to the position of the Prime Minister of Omu-Aran.

A former member, House of Representatives, Rep. Gbenga Makanjuola, representing Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara, described Adebayo’s death as “sudden, shocking and painful.

“You are a bridge builder and lover of peace. A refined and unique traditional ruler.

“May your soul rest in peace and may God give your immediate family and the Omu-Aran community the fortitude to bear the loss of your departure.”

In his remarks, Malam Bisi Salami, the Chief Executive Officer, Mucenty Hotels, Omu-Aran, said: “Your demise came to us as a rude shock.

“You came and impacted positively on humanity. We prayed for forgiveness of your sins and God’s fortitude for friends and family to bear your loss.

“May your soul receive Almighty Allah’s favour and make Al-janat Fridaos your final abode. Amin.”

Also, in the register, Malam Taiwo Ojewoye, the Education Secretary, Irepodun LGA, wrote on behalf of the entire staff of the Education Authority, Irepodun LGA.

Ojewoye said, “We condoled with the family of Chief Jide Adebayo, the Olomu-in-Council and the entire Omu-Aran community on the demise of the Eesa of Omu-Aran, may his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Chief Elemesho Aran said, “Rest in Peace Chief Jide Adebayo. May God forgive your shortcomings and grant your soul eternal rest. Amen.”

Also, Chief Raheem Owolabi, the Legan of Omu-Aran, said: “You left us when your services is most needed.

“We are consoled with the fact that you left indelible legacies and you will be sorely missed. Rest on Eesa of Omu-Aran, Chief Jide Olaniyi Adebayo.”

Also, Femi Olarewaju said, “This is painful.

“May his soul rest in peace. My sincere condolences. May God console his family and the community. It’s well with Omu-Aran community.

According to Abdulraheem Lawal, this is devastating!

“May God grant his family, HRM, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, the Olomu-in-Council, and the entire Omu-Aran community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. So sad indeed.”

Also, Mrs Olatayo R. A said: “On behalf of Omu-Aran Women Forum, continue to rest in perfect peace.”