From Michael Olatunji, Ibadan
The Government of Oyo State have expressed regrets over the death of the mother of the governor, Mrs Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde, which sad event took place on Thursday.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, the government said the late matriarch of the Makinde family passed on peacefully in her sleep at her Ibadan home, at dawn.
She described the late woman as a stabilizer, a peace mmaker, and a community leader deeply committed to things of God.
The statement signed by Mrs Adeosun reads:
The Government of Oyo State announces the passage of Chief (Mrs.) Abigail Makinde, the mother of His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who passed on peacefully at her Ibadan home, in the early hours of Thursday.
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.
While we join millions of indigenes and residents of Oyo State and well-wishers across the globe to condole with His Excellency, Governor Makinde and the entire Makinde family over the departure of our revered matriarch, we are equally thankful to the Almighty, who gave her a glorious and fulfilled life.
We are also happy that Almighty God spared her life to witness countless accomplishments of her children, including the election of her son, Engineer Seyi Makinde, as the 8th democratically elected Governor and Chief Executive of Oyo State.
The State Executive Council, and indeed the entire Government of Oyo State, remain particularly thankful for the stabilizing roles Mama played in the state while she was with us.
We can only urge the family to please take solace in the good deeds of Mama, which will remain indelible on the sands of time.”