Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has mourned the demise of Pa Olajide Olabode, a driver to the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Olabode who hailed from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State passed away on Friday at the age of 89 years.
Mourning Olabode, Fayemi, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described his demise as a painful and great loss to Ekiti state, and the country at large.
The Governor described Olabode as a man who lived a long, fulfilling and inspiring life.
Fayemi noted that the late Olabode’s life is an inspiring story, urging the youths to emulate the resilience spirit exhibited by the late driver. He added that though the deceased’s parents could not afford to send him to secondary school having finished Standard five, he was determined to be a successful man and found the right way to make his life count.
The governor also prayed that God gives the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.
The statement reads, “Pa Olabode’s death is a great loss to us in Ekiti State. He was a perfect example of the resilient spirit that Ekiti people have whenever they intend to achieve great tasks. He defied his family background and chose the hard way to become a great man like his contemporaries.
“He was a driver who earned the trust of his bosses. His integrity must have endeared him to Chief J.E. Babatola who introduced him to Chief Awolowo and ended up driving African presidents such as Kwame Nkrumah, Sylvanus Olympio, Julius Nyerere and the great Zik among others.
“We will never forget how he, in his little way, was able to prove to the world that Ekiti people are hardworking, trustworthy and can do great things. On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with Pa Olabode’s family, and pray that the good Lord will console them and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”
