The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has lost one of his sons, Jide.
Family sources confirmed his death to The Niche on Wednesday before it was announced by the chairman of the APC in Lagos.
Jide, said to be in his late 30s, was a legal practitioner who had worked at some point with Mobil Nigeria, according to a Bloomberg profile of him.
“It is with regrets that I inform you of the demise of Mr. Jide Tinubu, the son of Our dear and esteemed Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement said.
No other information was provided.
Reacting on Wednesday, the APC national leadership said it received the sad news of the death with great shock and grief.
“It is never easy losing a child or any loved one. Indeed, it is hardest when they are taken from us too soon. Many who met the late Jide Tinubu, who was a lawyer, fondly described him as cerebral, industrious and full of life.
“In this moment of grief, the party offers its sincere condolence and deepest sympathy to His Excellency and other immediate family members over the painful loss. May the outpouring of sympathy and the comfort in knowing that the late Jide’s death is felt by many, help the family through this difficult time.
“We pray Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the late Jide eternal rest,” the party said in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Tinubu.
In the same vein, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, condoled with Tinubu over what he called the depressing news of the death of his beloved scion, Jide.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, the governor expressed regrets that the cold hands of death have snatched another promising and ebullient young man.
Ajimobi described the sudden death of the APC national leader’s son as not only shocking but also, unfortunate and disheartening.
The governor said: “My dear Asiwaju, please accept my heartfelt condolences. On behalf of myself, family and the good people of Oyo State, I pray that God will give you the strength and courage to bear this monumental loss.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying period. With Jide’s death, the country has lost another shining star and future leader. May the Almighty comfort his wife, children and the entire family.”
