By Dayo Johnson

Akure — SENATOR Bode Olajumoke has said that the death of former governor of Ondo State  Olusegun Agagu is a big loss to the  PDP political family in the country.

He said that the PDP in Ondo State and the country have lost a formidable member, an intellectual and a great tactician and organiser.

This was contained in a statement he signed and distributed to newsmen in Akure, weekend.

“The news of the death of the immediate past Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Segun Agagu came as a rude shock.

“Initially it was very hard to believe until it appeared on the Internet, and only then it dawned on all that Segun Agagu has indeed truly gone to the great beyond.

“His death has come too soon at 65, and the PDP political family of Ondo State and Nigeria have lost a formidable member, an intellectual and a great tactician and organiser.

“During his tenure as Governor, he left indelible marks in every local government and ward of Ondo State.

“May the good Lord accept him in His bosom and give all of us, but in particular his dear wife, Funke and the children, the fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Also the Director-General of National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye joined numerous Nigerians expressing shock and grief over the death of the former minister and governor.

Hon. Elegbeleye who described Agagu as an egg-head, said the late politician contributed immensely to the development of his state, Ondo and the nation.

“It is sad that Dr. Agagu, a scrupulous and brilliant politician would pass on at a time the nation required his service most. I pray that the Almighty shall give his family and close associates the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Meanwhile, the state government has constituted an 11- man burial committee  for Agagu who passed on last Friday.

This was made known through a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade in Akure.

Akinmade said the high-powered State Committee in conjunction with the family of the deceased has been constituted to plan a befitting state burial in honour of the late former governor.

The statement named the  Chief of  Staff to the State Governor,  Dr. Kola Ademujimi as the  Head of  the Committee with Mr. Kayode Akinmade and Mrs. Nike Ademujimi, both Commissioners for Information and  Commerce and Industry respectively as members, among others.

Others are Mr Nicolas Tofowomo, Commissioner for Transport, Hon Jumoke Akindele, Hon, Soji Akinkurolire, Mr Eni Akinsola, Evangelist Niyi Pirisola and Mrs O O Ajayi , Mr Ife Fasoranti with Rev Soji Gbadebo as Secretary.