Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the family of the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke as well as the government and people of Osun State over the death of the lawmaker.
The ex-president’s condolence message was communicated in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja on Monday.
Jonathan described the late Adeleke as a national icon and great philanthropist who was warm and lively.
The ex-President said, “I received the news of the death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke with a sense of great personal loss. It is hard to imagine that the very lively and warm ‘Serubawon’ has died.
“Though I am saddened by his death, I give God the glory for his life of contribution to Osun State, where he was the first civilian governor and to Nigeria, where he was an icon and to humanity in general because he was a great philanthropist.”
Also, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described the death of Adeleke as a shocking and painful exit of a political icon.
Fayose, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said, “The political history of Osun State will never be complete without the name of Senator Isiaka Adeleke occupying a conspicuous space as the one who braced the political trail of the state by being the first elected governor at the age of 36.
“Despite being governor at a youthful age of 36, he contributed immensely to the development of the state and maintained his political relevance since the early 90s till his death.”
A former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, has described the death of Adeleke as great loss to Osun State.
Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has said the death of Adele is a monumental loss, which has left Osun and Nigeria poorer.
Describing Adeleke as a friend, confidant and brother, Oyinlola said it was difficult for him to come to terms with the demise of Adeleke.
A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Chief Iyiola, Omisore, in a statement, on Sunday, described Adeleke as an accomplished statesman and philanthropist.
