Oyo Global Forum, OGF, has described the late Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Oyo State, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, as a fine gentleman well known for his public intellectualism, politics of development, and refined manners.
The forum, in a statement signed by its secretary, Taiwo Hassan Adebayo, also described his death as the loss of an illustrious son to Oyo town, where he hailed from.
“On behalf of the Chairman, Executives, the Board of Trustees, and members of Oyo Global Forum, it is extremely sad to announce the passing of Rt. Honourable Olatunji Kehinde Ayoola JP. Our beloved JP died, aged 55, after a brief illness in Ibadan this morning, May 14, 2020.
“Until his death, he was the Commissioner for the Environment and Natural Resources in Oyo State. Between 1999 and 2003, he represented Oyo East/Oyo West Constituency in Oyo State House of Assembly and was then, at 34, elected the first Speaker of the state following the return of democracy in Nigeria.
“JP was a senior member of Oyo Global Forum, the civic group of Nigerian professionals of Oyo extraction. He was the Forum’s first Director of Community Mobilisation.
“Our hearts are heavy following the loss of our illustrious kinsman, a fine gentleman well known for his public intellectualism, politics of development, and refined manners, which endeared him to people, young or old
“JP was a devout Christian, a dedicated family man, and he left behind a loving wife and children. We pray God comfort his family,”the statement read.
The forum also commiserated with the Governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde on the loss of Ayoola, who the Governor described as a ” dedicated public servant whose commitment to duty was unquestionable”.
They added,”We will be hosting a Zoom-enabled Service of Songs and Commendations. The details of the schedule of the Service will be communicated to the public as soon as arrangements are concluded in cooperation with his family.
“Please join in praying to God for His Mercy over our beloved as he transitions to eternal glory and for Him to comfort his family in this period of loss, and forever.”
