Nigerians have continued to pen heartfelt tributes to a former lawmaker of the fourth republic and a former Chairman, Board of Commissioners for Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who passed away on Tuesday, at the age of 88 years.
Durojaye died in the early hours of Tuesday while receiving medical attention in Lagos.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State while mourning the demise of Durojaiye described the demise of the former lawmaker as a “collosal loss to the country.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Durojaiye was a passionate leader who served his country meritoriously as a public servant, human rights activist, politician and seasoned administrator.
This was contained in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday.
The governor also commiserated with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the entire people of the state, especially, indigenes of Ijebu-Igbo, on the demise of their illustrious son and elder statesman.
The statement reads, “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye as well as members of the political family of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and entire Yoruba people.
“The death of Senator Durojaiye is a colossal loss to the country. He made lots of positive contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Yorubaland and Nigeria. He fought along with several other patriots and pro-democracy activists tirelessly for enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.
“He wrote his name in gold as a tireless fighter and an advocate of democratic government. He played a crucial role as chieftain of NADECO in the agitation for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and return of civilian government in May 29, 1999. Despite being arrested and imprisoned by the military regime of General Sani Abacha, he never gave up the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy.
“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, political associates, Afenifere, the people of Ijebu-Igbo and Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Also, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has grieved the demise of the Ogun-born politician and elder statesman.
Abiodun, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, on Tuesday, described the 88-year-old politician as a strong pillar of his administration.
The governor described Durojaiye’s demise as a great loss to the APC, Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
While commiserating with the immediate family of the former presidential aspirant, Gov. Abiodun, prayed to God Almighty to forgive his shortcomings and grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The statement reads, “He will be greatly missed in the political circle of not only Ogun State, but Nigeria,” the governor stated.
“A good man, a patriot, who lived a good life, a life of commitment and decency has passed on.
“Our dear Senator was a good man, a patriot, who lived a good life. May God grant you eternal rest Distinguished Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye,” Abiodun prayed.
Also, the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has described the death of Durojauiye as the loss of a colossus.
The party in a press statement issued by the acting Publicity Secretary of APC in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye, described the Durojaiye as “a political giant and a courageous humanist,” who fought for the democracy of Nigeria.
The statement reads, “Senator Durojaiye was a great politician of his era, fearless and outspoken.
“He not only fought for democracy; he defended the rights of Nigerians to participatory democracy, even to the detriment of his health.
“Despite his frail health, he refused to compromise his fight against military dictatorship; no wonder Amnesty International named him a Prisoner of Conscience.
“Our party chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, on behalf of our leaders and members, expresses his deep sorrow on the demise of this astute politician and prays that Almighty God will repose his soul and comfort his family, friends and associates.”
