Legal luminary and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has expressed sadness and regret over the death, last week, of two prominent political leaders in the state, Chiefs Samuel Farinu and Salahudeen Adelere, describing the duo as representing core actors in the history of politics in country.
Farinu, an Oyo-born politician, was the former state chairman of the defunct Action Congress (AC) which later transformed into Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) until 2010 when he handed over. Until his death last Thursday at the age of 93 years, he remained a leader of the Progressive family in the APC while Adelere was a Second Republic lawmaker who represented Iseyin state constituency in the old Oyo State House of Assembly under Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was also, until his demise last Friday, a political leader from Oke-Ogun axis of the state.
Akintola (SAN), in a condolence message contained in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday by his Personal Assistant, Prince Olumuyiwa Akinbiyi, regretted that the duo of Farinu and Adelere died at a time contemporary political class needed to tap more from their wealth of experience and democratic virtue having made their mark as true disciplines of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“Both leaders would be sorely missed by all and sundry in view of the fact that they were instrumental to the success recorded during the reign of the previous governments steered by the Progressive. They were devoted disciples of the Great Awo, associates of Chief Bola Ige, supporters of both Chief Kolapo Ishola and Alhaji Lamidi Adesina- all of whom had occupied the Agodi Government House at different times and impacted positively on the lives of the people.
“Obviously, the two of the saw it all and played their parts very well. This informs the preponderance of tribute and condolences which have greeted the news of their respective passing unto glory since few days ago. With discipline, selflessness, commitment to democratic principles and service to the people as their goal, both Baba Farinu and Adelere were able to weather the storm as they demonstrated good leadership qualities throughout. May God grant them eternal rest.
“And as we are mourning their demise, it is imperative for modern day politicians particularly those of us in the APC to take our time to learn from the enviable records these great Progressive leaders and Awoists with a view retracing our steps and prioritizing the original progressive ideology in our political activities as only this would help build our democracy and also afford the masses an opportunity to enjoy mellifluous good governance and life abundance.
“In conclusion, we use this opportunity to commiserate with the Oyo APC family and family members of the departed leaders. We ask God almighty to grant us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and also restore normalcy in our party as we warm up to reclaim power in our dear state in 2023 having blown away our chances in 2019 general election.” Akintola added.
