The Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has described the sudden death of the Oyo state Chairman of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers, NURTW Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde as depressing and tragic.
Mr. Oyerinde also popularly known as “Fele” died on Tuesday afternoon died at the Zenith Medical Kidney Hospital, Abuja.
Governor Ajimobi expressed his sadness about the death of the NURTW chairman through a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji.
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Governor Ajimobi reiterated that he received the news of Oyerinde’s death with a heavy heart and utter disbelief and described the death of the NURTW Chairman as a huge loss to the family, the state and the South West in general.
Governor Ajimobi further revealed that the sudden death of the NURTW Chairman was particularly painful because he had lost a dependable ally and purveyor of peace.
The Oyo state governor revealed that he was proud of the late NURTW Chairman because of his sterling leadership ability and propagation of peace as well as orderliness among the drivers.
According to Ajimobi;
“I am greatly saddened by the passing away of Fele. It is very unfortunate and disheartening. He has over time proved to be a dependable ally in our administration’s quest to restore peace to the land. That the motor parks across the state are rancour and violence-free today can be partly attributed to his yeoman efforts to whip errant and rapacious drivers into line.
He commands respect among the drivers for his sterling leadership qualities. His death is indeed a big loss, not only to his family but also to the NURTW nationwide and the entire people of Ibadan land. May the Almighty grant the family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss.
I urge members to respect the new directive of the union’s national leadership which appointed his deputy, Alhaji Abideen Olajide as acting chairman. I enjoin the good people of Oyo State to be vigilant around the motor parks and report any act capable of breaching the public peace without delay.
May Allah repose the gentle soul of the deceased and grant him the highest place in Jannah.”
Fele’s death was announced by the National President of the NURTW Alhaji Najeem Yasin from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
“With a heavy heart, I announce the death of one of the leaders of this union, who was the Oyo State chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, popularly known as Fele.
Oyerinde who was also the South West Chairman of the Union died this afternoon at Zenith Medical Kidney Hospital Abuja.
I am talking to you from Saudi Arabia. I am in Minna, Saudi Arabia when he died and was the first person the hospital informed about his death,” the National Chairman said.