The Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, and the former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, on Thursday commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde and the entire Makinde family on the death of the governor’s mother, Chief Abigail.
Their condolences followed the announcement of Mama Abigail’s passage in a statement signed by Chief Muyiwa Makinde, the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadan on behalf of the family.
CAN in Oyo State, in a condolence message by its Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, said, “To God be the glory that the late Madam Makinde lived a fulfilled life by seeing her amiable son as governor of Oyo State, the Pacesetter State in Nigeria. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
The Speaker, in a statement titled, ‘The loss of a mother is huge and painful,’ described the news as shocking, painful and sorrowful, noting, “The loss of a dear mum is huge and ever tormenting.
“Oyo State has lost a true mother and a prayer warrior. Though Mama was in her early 80s, her demise was unexpected at this period when we were benefiting from her elderly experience, counselling and prayers. The good life Mama lived was evident in the way she painstakingly and devotedly tutored and raised her children who are all great ambassadors of the family and Oyo State.
“Mama was bubbling with health, life and energy when her children celebrated her 80th birthday. Everyone thought Mama would be with us till one 100 years, but alas, cold hands of death snatched Mama away at this very auspicious time.
“She was such a caring, loving and supportive mother. Mama will sorely be missed not only by the Makinde’s family at Aigbofa Compound, Ojaaba Ibadan but also across the length and breath of Oyo State. May her soul continues to rest in the bossom of the Lord until we meet to part no more. Amen.”
Gbolarumi, in a condolence message made available through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Olaniyi Stephen, said the unexpected news of the demise of Madam Makinde brought back the sad feelings experienced over the death of his own mother some years back.
The message read, “Mama was a mother in a million who cared for every one that came in contact with her.”
The Makinde family in a statement titled, ‘We’ve lost a gem,’ wrote, “With total submission to the will of the Almighty God, we announce the passing to the great beyond of our mother, Mrs. Abigail Makinde, who departed this world in the early hours of Thursday, October 15. Though Mama gave no indication of any sickness, she slept peacefully in the Lord at the age of 81, in the early hours of the day at her Ibadan home, 7B, Oyeleke Street, Ikolaba, Ibadan.
“While we appreciate the Almighty for sparing her life thus far, we must confess that we will sorely miss her counsel, motherly role and impact on the lives of her children and the grandchildren.
“We will equally miss her role as a stabilising force in the family, community and especially Oyo State, which is currently being governed by her son and our brother, Seyi Makinde.
“We sincerely appreciate the prayers and condolences of our numerous well-wishers.May Mama’s soul rest peacefully with her maker.”
