The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed sadness over the death of Aare Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao.
The late philantropist died in a London Hospital yesterday at age 69.
The party in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by its chairman, Chief Akin Oke, stated that the news of Arisekola’s death came as a rude shock, adding that he died at a time his fatherly advise was mostly needed by the people of the State and Nigeria at large.
The party also sympathised with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III over the death of the late Muslim leader.
“He died at a time we believe we needed him most but we are consoled by the fact that every human souls will taste death at the predestined time.
“All what he was able to achieve while on earth will take century to be erased by anybody who dare to do. Unlike many of his kind who prefer to establish all their business outfits outside the State and Nigeria, most of his companies’ headquarters and offices are visible in Oyo State and neighbouring States and they were able to absorb many job seekers, thereby contributing meaningfully to the economy of the State and the country.
“Those who are dependent on him will surely miss his kind gesture which will take years to be equalled.
“Till yesterday when he succumbed to death, he was never known for trouble-making. He didn’t discriminate when he was alive as he helped the needy. The numbers of people from other tribes and religious faiths that thronged his Oluwo-Nla palatial residence attest to this.
“He will not only be missed by his family members, those whose lives he was able to transformed will forever remember him.”
The party, Chief Oke said, will forever miss the late business magnate who was able to etch his name among the names of those who contributed meaningfully to the development of the State and the Country in general.
He, however, urged the people of the State to take heart while praying Allah to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.