Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed shock on the death of the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Paul Omotoso, who passed on Tuesday night.
The Governor 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 party chairman because he did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.
Governor Oyebanji who said he is yet to come to terms with the demise of the APC chairman, described Omotoso as a dependable brother and ally, who was a great and invaluable asset to the APC family as well as the government.
According to him, Omotoso would be eternally remembered as the first party chairman in the state to achieve a back-to-back victory for a party in the political history of Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji said the deceased’s selflessness and sacrifices contributed to the internal cohesion which made the Ekiti APC an unstoppable election winning machine in local government, state and national elections conducted during his chairmanship.
This, he said, was made possible by Omotoso’s administrative acumen, diligence, maturity, managerial and diplomatic skills as well as conflict resolution ingenuity which he deployed in managing the affairs of the party and its teeming members.
The Governor noted that Omotoso was a man of impact endowed with wisdom which he brought to bear in party and state matters as he was always ready to offer his wise counsel at critical points when such was needed.
The state helmsman noted that Omotoso excelled in the previous public offices he held including Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Commissioner for Environment and Commissioner for Special Duties.
Governor Oyebanji added that the deceased’s stellar performance as the APC State Secretary contributed immensely to his emergence as the State Chairman for two terms noting that these speak volumes about his loyalty, commitment, integrity and competence.
“We have lost a dependable pillar in Ekiti development and partner in our development effort as a government. We have lost a great leader, a peacemaker, a humble servant of the people and an altruistic party Organiser.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of the state, I express condolences to the immediate family of our late Chaman and the people of Imesi Ekiti and the entire members of APC.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the deceased. May God grant them and everyone of us the fortitude to bear this great loss.And may God grant our dear departed brother eternal rest”, the statement added.