Ekiti State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Omotosho, is dead.
It was gathered from close family sources that the Imesi-Ekiti-born politician and lawyer died, yesterday, after a brief illness.
Omotosho, who was said to be active and had participated in a series of political meetings early on Tuesday, was said to have complained of illness, which made him to be rushed to a government hospital in the state capital where he later died.
It would be recalled that Omotosho was kidnapped in July 2023 by gunmen and was released after five days.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has mourned the passing of Omotosho, describing him as a dedicated leader, unifier and pillar of the party in the state.
In a statement by Head, Fayemi Media Office in Abuja, Ahmad Sajoh, the former governor said that the sudden departure of the state’s party chairman had left a void difficult to fill within the APC family in the state and in all those who knew the departed party leader.
He described the late Omotosho as a tireless leader and steadfast supporter of the APC’s principles and agenda in Ekiti State.
Also, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the state chapter of the APC have expressed shock at the death of Omotoso.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he was shocked and devastated by the news of the demise of the state’s party chairman because he did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.
The governor, who said he was yet to come to terms with the death of Omotoso, described him as a dependable brother and ally.
Reacting to the development, the state chapter of APC said that Omotosho would be remembered for the positive contributions he made to the party, especially during his tenure from 2018 till he breathed his last.
A statement by the party’s spokesman, Segun Dipe, said: “He ran the affairs of the party commendably with consecutive victories at the poll.”
“Omotosho was still actively present in the office yesterday till the close of work. His death could not be immediately traced to any known sickness.
“He, however, complained of fatigue and slight fever at about 4.00 p.m. and opted to go home to rest. He was to be rushed to the hospital later at about 7.00 p.m. when the pain increased but gave up the ghost after.”
In the same vein, the Leader of the Senate, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, described the death of Omotoso as shocking and unbelievable.
Bamidele, in a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, also expressed his heartfelt condolence to the immediate family of the politician, his community and the government and people of Ekiti State, urging them to take solace in the fact that Omotoso lived for the good of mankind.
