From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos
Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP have described the late Pa Otedola as a perfect gentleman and one of the finest politician the state has ever produced.
Obanikoro, in a statement, while acknowledging that his loss was painful, added that the octogenarian lived a fulfilled life.
The statement read in part: “It is with deep sadness that I, on behalf of myself and my family, convey our condolences to the Otedola family over the passing of its patriarch, former Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola on Monday May 5, 2014 at the fruitful age of 87.
“While Pa Otedola has left us at a very painful moment, we must also thank God for the life he lived. I am honoured to have worked under his leadership, as Governor of Lagos State when he appointed me Director, Lagos State Bulk Purchasing Corporation (LASBULK). I knew him to be a perfect gentleman, an icon of excellence and one of the finest politicians our nation has ever produced.
“Sir Otedola was a real human being. His modest lifestyle and love for humanity was characterized by his philanthropic efforts, which touched and transformed the lives of many Lagosians and Nigerians across the world. Indeed, Nigeria has lost a rare gem.
“It is my heartfelt prayer that the Almighty God would give both the immediate and extended families of Sir Otedola, Lagosians and Nigerians the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” he prayed.
Similarly, Lagos state PDP has described the death of Pa Otedola a sad loss. The party noted that though the elder statesman died at an old age, his immense contributions being enjoyed by the state will no more be available.
The state PDP further described the late Pa Otedola as a classical example of who a Governor Emeritius should be, having served with sincerity and retiring from politics to be a statesman for subsequent governors in the state.
The Lagos state PDP chairman, Tunji Shelle, exalted the deceased for giving that much service to Lagos state in the short time.
He particularly praised the ability of the former governor to carry everybody along in his Government, irrespective of their partisan leanings. “He won the election by providence as the candidate of NRC. SDP was the more popular party in Lagos at that time. He however served the state giving fair share to everyone, irrespective of the party affiliation. I call on Governor Fashola to genuinely immortalise this great man”.
