Amosun also extolled the virtues of the retired military officer who died in Abeokuta on Saturday
By Kehinde Okeowo
The former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has sent his condolences to the family of ex-military governor of Old Ondo State, General Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye (rtd), who recently passed away.
TheNiche had earlier reported that Opaleye died at his Ibara Government Reservation Area residence in Abeokuta on Saturday morning after suffering a heart attack.
Amosun in a statement he personally signed and titled, “Fare Thee Well Major General Ekundayo Opaleye” extolled the virtues of the late retired military officer.
He went on to recall how he successfully chaired the planning committee for the coronation ceremony of the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola in 2022.
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The former governor also commiserated with the military and prayed to God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The statement read: “I mourn, yet again, the passing of another illustrious son of Owu Kingdom and a patriotic military officer who served as Governor of old Ondo State, *Major General Ekundayo Opaleye* (rtd) earlier today, Saturday, 18 November, 2023.
“Major General Opaleye will be remembered for his selfless service in the Nigerian Army, where he undertook several military assignments in Nigeria and Africa, including serving as Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Engineers, and Commander of the OAU Neutral Military Organization Group (NMOG), in Rwanda, among others, culminating in his elevation to the rank of Major General.
“Beyond his meritorious career in the military, Major General Ekundayo Opaleye, as the Balogun of Erunmu Owu, was unwaveringly committed to the development of Owu kingdom, Egbaland, and Ogun State.
“I recall how he successfully chaired the planning committee for the coronation ceremony of our kabiyesi, the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola in 2022. Indeed, Owu kingdom and Ogun State have lost an illustrious son.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, grandchildren, and the entire family he left behind as they mourn his passing. I also commiserate with Kabiyesi, the Olowu of Owu, the Balogun of Owu, and the Owu Traditional Council of Chiefs, as well as his primary constituency, the Nigerian military over his demise.
“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
