By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Friday commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Mr. Seyi Makinde, over the death of his mother, Mrs. Abigail Makinde.
The governor, in a statement, condoled with the government and people of Oyo State over the death of the governor’s mother, praying that God grants the governor, his family and well-wishers the fortitude to bear the loss.
Obaseki said he received the news of Madam Makinde’s death with a heavy heart.
“Mama, a gentle soul, was a mother to everyone who crossed her path. She radiated joy and laughter and, in her kindness, inspired many. We are deeply saddened by this loss.
“I pray that God grants the Makinde family the fortitude to bear this loss. On behalf of the people and government of Edo State, I offer my deepest condolences.”
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde on Friday broke his silence on his mother’s death.
He said she died at a time the family was planning for her 81st birthday celebration.
Makinde spoke while receiving the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came on a condolence visit at his Ikolaba GRA, Ibadan private residence.
The visitors were led by the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.
Other national leaders who accompanied the National Executives include the National Organising Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd); Deputy National Secretary; National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Mai Basira; National Woman Leader, Hajia Mariya Waziri; National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, as well a leader of the PDP from Osun State, Hon. Soji Adagunodo.
Describing his late mother as an epitome of love and humility, Makinde expressed gratitude to the PDP NWC.
He said the fact that the leadership of the party made it to Ibadan barely 24 hours after her demise showed the love they have for him.
Makinde said: “I want to thank you most sincerely for this condolence visit. I want to say, on behalf of myself, my wife, immediate family, and extended family, we are very grateful and appreciative of this visit. This happened yesterday morning and you are here this morning. It shows that you truly love me. So, I want to say thank you.
“Actually, we were preparing for my mummy’s 81st birthday, which would have been on November 7, exactly three weeks from yesterday (that she died). But who are we to question God?
“We are grateful to God for the life she lived. To us, she was an epitome of love, humility. She was tough. If you see that trait in some of us, it came from her. And we also thank God that it was not like we were carrying her from one hospital to the other. She died peacefully in her sleep. So, we thank God for what He has done.”
Makinde, who also took the opportunity to appreciate the PDP NWC for the confidence in him to lead the Ondo State governorship campaign, said what the outcome of the election meant was the party would have to go back to the drawing board, adding that the campaign council will submit a report as soon as practicable.