APC mourns as Oyo chairman, Omodewu dies in US

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Isaac Omodewu, is dead.

Aged 61, he reportedly died on Sunday evening in the United States of America.

The PUNCH had exclusively reported that Omodewu left Nigeria in November for a medical trip.

Unconfirmed reports also added that he was in disarray and in a coma after the 2023 governorship election in the state.

He, however, died after almost one year of receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment in the US where he was a citizen.

When contacted, the state Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, confirmed the development, saying, “Our chairman is dead.”

In a statement by Sadare, the state chapter of the party described the passing of Omodewu as a devastating blow and a colossal loss, not only to the party but the entire country.

“The Otu-born lawyer, Omodewu, reportedly died in the late hours of Sunday in the USA where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness since November 2023.

“Oyo APC expressed utmost shock and disbelief over the transition of Omodewu who served in various ministries as a commissioner between 2011 and 2019 in the two-term administration of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

“A big Iroko has fallen and a big vacuum has surfaced in our APC. Our late chairman was an epitome of humility, kindness and selflessness. He emerged as the state chairman during a turbulent period and he did his best to stabilise the party. It is even regrettable he transited at this time when his efforts on total reconciliations have begun to yield full results as desired,” the statement read.

In a condolence message issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in Abuja, the APC expressed shock and deep sorrow over Omodewu’s demise.

While describing his death as painful, Morka paid tribute to Omodewu, saying he was a cerebral administrator and dedicated leader.

“Until his passing, Omodewu was an accomplished politician, cerebral lawyer and shrewd administrator who served meritoriously, first, as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and later as Commissioner for Lands and Housing in the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

“Our great party has lost a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the growth and success of APC in Oyo State, the South West region and, indeed, the entire country.

“The late Omodewu will be sorely missed. As the party mourns, we take solace in the enduring example of selfless service and patriotism the late Omodewu represented,” the statement read.

The former Senate Leader and 2023 governorship candidate of the APC in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, expressed shock at missing Omodewu.

Folarin, in a statement he signed in Ibadan, the state capital, said, “I received, with rude shock, the sad news of the death of the state chairman of our great party, APC, Omodewu.

“Until his last moments, he was a diligent, dutiful, committed and loyal party leader, a wonderful family man and a friend whose loyalty to party matters was unflagging.

“His ability to organise and restructure the party, even in the face of daunting challenges was awesome. To his credit, the state APC was able to achieve the great successes recorded during the last general elections.

“He was equally instrumental to the resilience demonstrated by the state APC during the last Local Government elections where the Oyo APC presented candidates in all the 33 Local Governments for the position of chairmen and the 351 wards as councillors.”

Folarin said the party would miss the leadership qualities and dedication of the deceased and prayed to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, expressed sadness over the death of Omodewu.

The PDP, in a statement by the Chairman, Secretary and acting Public Relations Office, described Omodewu’s passing as a colossal loss to the people of the state.

The statement highlighted Omodewu’s contributions as a community leader, political figure, and commissioner who served in various ministries, including Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Lands, Housing, and Survey.

The PDP noted that the state would miss Omodewu’s departure and had directed its members to mourn and pray for the repose of his soul.

The party also extended its condolences to the APC, friends, and family of the deceased during this difficult time.

“The death of Omodewu is indeed a sad one for us as his death marks the end of a political camaraderie, brotherhood and friendship but we will take solace in the fact that he lived a life of fulfillment and service to God and humanity.

“As a party, we have directed our members to mourn his loss and also enjoined them to pray for the family he left behind. We also identify with the APC where he served as chairman until his death and we pray that God will prevent future occurrences.

“The late chairman of the APC, Omodewu and the state PDP Chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, hail from the same town, Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oke- Ogun axis of the state,” the statement said.