By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed sadness over the sudden death of the Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of the State, Mr. Olakanle Oladotun, describing it as “a colossal loss to the entire state, All Progressives Congress, APC, and deceased’s family.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, LGA, Usman Hamzat, has expressed sadness and commiseration over the sudden death of Oladotun, saying he will be sorely missed.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said “Olakanle’s death is a colossal loss to Onigbongbo LCDA, the All Progressives Congress, APC and Lagos State as a whole.”

Olakanle, popularly called “Tant’olorun,”(Who is like unto God), died on Saturday, November 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 54.

The Governor sympathised with the immediate family of the departed, his friends and associates, members and leaders of the Lagos State APC, Conference 57, and the entire people of Onigbongbo LCDA over the death of the late council boss

He said, “On behalf of my family, the people, and the government of Lagos State Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the residents of Onigbongbo LCDA on the death of the council Chairman, Hon. Oladotun Olakanle. His death was a personal loss to me and a painful loss to his council and Lagos State.

“I am saddened by the death of this fine gentleman, a loyal party man and committed democrat and public officer who had a deep understanding of local government administration and the political landscape.

“Hon. Olakanle was a loyal politician and an invaluable asset to the APC. There is no doubt that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the Onigbongbo LCDA, the Lagos APC family, and the State as a whole.

“As the Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Olakanle was deeply committed to the progress and well-being of the council, and this was evident in every programme he championed and the remarkable performance of his administration in the last four years.

“He would be remembered for creating a lasting legacy and for his positive contributions to the growth and development of the Onigbongbo LCDA

“I pray that God will grant the soul of our beloved Hon. Oladotun Olakanle eternal rest and comfort his immediate and political family of the deceased, as well as the people of Onigbongbo LCDA.”

Hamzat mourns

Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Hamzat stated this in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Oladimeji Salaam on Saturday.

The statement read in part:”It is with deep sadness that Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, expresses his heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of Hon. Olakanle Oladotun (Tant’Olorun), the Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA.

“His passing is a tremendous loss not only to the people of Onigbongbo but also to the entire Local Government family in Lagos State.

“Hon. Oladotun was a leader who embodied true dedication, compassion, and vision. His tireless efforts to advance his community and his sincere commitment to the well-being of his people are qualities that will remain a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

“His absence will be deeply felt by colleagues, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat extends his deepest sympathies to Oladotun’s family, friends, and the entire Onigbongbo community.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss and that He bestows eternal peace upon his soul.”