BY ROTIMI DUROJAIYE
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, a former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel, the Senator representing Lagos West in the National Assembly, Olamilekan Adeola and chairman of the board of Ogun State Television, Tunde Oladunjoye, have expressed shock and sadness at the death of the former military governor of Oyo State, General Adetunji Idowu Olurin (rtd), who died on Saturday morning at the age of 77.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, on Saturday, expressed shock over the news of the death of Olurin, who he described as a gallant military officer and astute administrator.
According to the governor, the death of the former civilian administrator of Ekiti State, occurred at a time the country and Ogun State needed his security expertise in tackling various security challenges confronting the nation.
He added that the late General was an illustrious son of Ogun State, who put the state and Nigeria on the global map with his exploits when he served as the ECOMOG Commander in Liberia.
“On behalf of my family and the people of Ogun State, I commiserate with the entire Olurin Family of Ilaro. The demise of one of Nigeria’s finest military officers is a painful loss to our state and the country.
“We shall continue to remember the late General for his meritorious service to his fatherland as well as statesmanship. He shall be sorely missed not only by his family and kinsmen in Ilaro, but the entire people Ogun, and by extension Nigeria.
“I pray the Almighty God rest his soul, forgive his shortcomings and grant his family members fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.
Daniel also expressed shock at the death of Olurin.
In a statement he personally signed, Daniel described the late Olurin as an eminent statesman and disciplined officer.
His statement reads: “I received the news of the demise of General Adetunji Olurin (rtd) with shock.
“General Olurin was an eminent statesman and disciplined officer who served Nigeria and our dear Ogun State with grace and candour.
“I recall his sound support towards our move to render our services to Ogun in 2003. Indeed, he was one of the earliest persons consulted and he gave his support.
“General Olurin faithfully served as the Founding Chancellor of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) during our administration.
“His passing has left a huge vacuum at a time when our nation needs more leaders of thought to help navigate the present challenges.
“I am however comforted that the late General has gone to rest having played his part on this side.
“My prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
“May his soul rest in peace.
Adeola, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, also described the late general as a patriot and a nationalist.
In a condolence message signed by his Media Adviser, Kayode Odunaro, the Senator described the passing away of the famous army general as a huge loss not only to his people in Ilaro, Yewaland and Ogun State, but indeed a great loss to Nigeria and the international community.
“General Olurin was a true patriot, a nationalist that sacrificed much not only for the unity of Nigeria but peace and security in the West Africa sub region and Africa continent. His expertise in security and administration will be sorely missed” the senator stated.
The senator prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the retired military general and fortitude for the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss of a dearly beloved.
In his condolence message, Oladunjoye said Olurin served Nigeria well.
Oladunjoye who was Olurin’s running mate in the Ogun State 2011 gubernatorial election, said the retired general gave a very good account of himself in various command posts, including his meritorious service as Commander of the Ecomog Force in Liberia, for which he got decorated severally.
“I was privileged to be his running-mate for the 2011 governorship election in Ogun State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). As a political leader and mentor, I knew him to be strict disciplinarian, modest-living, courageous, good listener and a strategist with profound foresight.
“While praying to God to grant his soul eternal rest, and his family succor, I commiserate will all his family members, professional and political associates, especially our leader and former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” Oladunjoye said.
