Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on Monday described the death of Adedayo Omolafe, member of the House Representatives, representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, as shocking and devastating.
In a statement issued by Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Akeredolu said that no news of illness was heard about the lawmaker before his sudden death in the wee hours of Sunday.
“Like every mortal, Omolafe is gone in fulfillment of the mankind’s inescapable debt. It is painful that such a bright star is gone too soon. For our dear state, this is a big blow dealt by the ugly sting of death. It is a devastating tragedy.He was renowned for his generosity, touching lives and making people smile with his act of giving. He was a grassroots politician. His death is a great loss to Akure kingdom and the state in general,” he said.
Similarly, Mimiko, who is the immediate past governor of Ondo state also described the death of the lawmaker, popularly called ‘Expensive’, as a huge loss to the Akure people and Ondo State in general.
Mimiko, in a statement by John Paul Akinduro, his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, said the death of the federal lawmaker has left a big vacuum that may be difficult to fill.
“I am profoundly sad to learn of the passing to the great beyond of one of the most-loved and illustrious sons of Akure, Ifedayo Omolafe, also known as Expensive. “Although, death is inevitable, Omolafe’s exit is a rude shock. His incredible ability to connect with the people, the high and the lowly alike, is one major value he will be leaving behind.
“Expensive had unquantifiable amount of street credibility and respectability uncommon among the elite.
He was known and respected by the commoners, who he gave time and energy to court and serve,” the former governor said.
Mimiko condoled his family, the people of Akure, his constituency and his political associates for the irreparable loss.
Omolafe also served as an elected Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government in 2004.