By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commiserated with the Akinkugbe family over the passing of their father and mother, the patriarch and matriarch of the family, Professor Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe and Mrs Janet Oladunni Akinkugbe, describing them as exemplary figures whose lives made remarkable impact in education, medicine, and humanity.
The governor stated this on Thursday during a condolence visit to the family at Victoria Island, Lagos.
Aiyedatiwa described the late professor as a man whose influence continued to reflect in various sectors across the state and the nation.
“His presence is still here with us. Our progress in different sectors shows his lasting impact. We cannot forget that baba lives, and the past will not go. For our humanity, for our communities, the medical sector, the educational sector, and so many other areas of development, he played a major role,” he said.
The governor highlighted the deceased’s immense contributions to the establishment and growth of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, especially the Pharmacy Department, describing it as one of his enduring legacies.
“The University of Medical Sciences, especially its Pharmacy Department, was also set up by him with his encouragement and support. He gave good money to support the institution. That is a great legacy. As long as that institution exists, that will remain one of the legacies that he will be remembered for, apart from other things,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Reflecting on the passing of both parents almost at the same time, the governor said it might have been divine will that they departed together.
Aiyedatiwa described the loss as both painful and reflective, urging the family to take solace in the good and impactful lives their parents lived.
“It is a celebration of life. Tears will come, but the loss will always touch us. Someone who saw you through your childhood and is no longer there, that is the pain of loss. But their good works will never go away,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the son of the deceased, Yinka Akinkugbe, appreciated the governor for finding time to visit despite his tight schedule.
He said, “I think on this occasion, despite how busy your schedule is, I know what it’s like to have a schedule like yours, Mr Governor, my father, in particular, wasn’t partisan as far as political interests go. But he always supported whoever was sitting in Government House because what he expected of them was that they would do their best for the state. And that alone was enough for him.
“He wasn’t looking for contracts or doing any other work for the government, but he was always ready to assist in any way that any government authority might find useful. And I hope that is a legacy that we’ll be able to continue.”
Yinka further commended the governor for his accessibility and attention to public welfare.