BY DAYO JOHNSON

AKURE – ONDO town, Thursday, wore a mournful look following the death of the second in command to the paramount ruler of the town, Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Ilemobayo Akinnola on Wednesday.

His death, however, is still being discussed in hushed tones as it was yet to be announced traditionally because of his elevated position.

Consequently, no condolence register has been opened at his palace in Ondo town at press time. The deceased who is usually regarded as the ‘Prime Minister’ of Ondo kingdom died at the age of 78 at Saint Nicholas Hospital in Lagos.

Late Akinnola

The massive gate of his palatial house located at Government Reservation Area, GRA, popularly called Barrack’s Road in Ondo town was under lock and key as the security guard referred our reporter to the Lagos residence of the former Commissioner for Establishments in the defunct Western Region for information about his demise and burial plan.

However, few meters to his house some people gathered in groups to discuss the demise but they declined comment since the death has not been officially announced in the community.

Security guards refused Vanguard access to the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo who was said to have travelled out of the town.

Official announcement
But some Chiefs at the gate of the palace said they would not comment since the death of the second in command to the Oba was yet to be officially announced in the community.

A source, however, said the community was still awaiting the official announcement of the traditional rites by the Lisa’s family.

Meantime, Governor Olusegun Mimiko has described the death of Chief Bayo Akinnola, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom as the passage of an icon in all ramifications.

Mimiko, in a statement in Akure said Chief Akinnola was an icon of tradition, grace, elegance and leadership all combined.

He said: “The late Akinnola is not only an icon but a man who established his presence anywhere he found himself. He was a politician who became a commissioner at a very young age in the Western Region, a leader in the kingdom as exemplified by his title of Prime Minister of Ondo Kingdom.

“He was a business man of repute as obvious from his interest in networth business enterprises, was a colourful and tasteful quantity in social circles and had ample time and resources for philanthropy and charity as many can testify to having drank from his milk of kindness.”

The governor who said he is personally grieved at the loss of the community leader and national figure added that he was at one with the immediate family, the larger family and people of the kingdom, who will all miss Chief Akinnola.

He said: “I commiserate with the Minister for Information Communication Technology, Mrs Mobola Johnson, her siblings and the rest of the family praying that the good Lord will grant those left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.”