Obituary: Buhari, Others Mourn Ex-minister Of National Planning, Ayodele Ogunlade

By Simeon Mpamugoh

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of former minister of national planning, Mr Ayodele Ogunlade.

In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina,  Buhari urged friends and close associates of the deceased to find solace in the courage that the elder statesman brought to life.

He said that Ogunlade’s rise from a primary and secondary school teacher, Permanent Secretary, minister of information and culture, and foremost industrialist typifies resilience that should be celebrated and emulated.

He noted the heartwarming, positive outlook and broad vision of the former minister even as he commended him for sharing his success skills with many, and extended his wisdom to both private and public institutions, leaving lasting imprint on Nigeria’s development over many years.

President Buhari believed late Ogunlade’s investments of love and goodwill would continue to inspire and modify lives, particularly the overwhelming influence in community development, through educational and health schemes.

He prayed that God would comfort Ogunlade’s family and grant him eternal rest.

Late Ogunlade was a senior producer in Western Nigeria Television and Broadcasting Services.

In the  same vein, the speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, has extolled Ogunlade virtues as an elder statesman.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media  Akogun Tai Oguntayo, Afuye described Chief Ogunlade as a man of integrity who served Nigeria meritoriously as a Minister of National Planning.

He said, “Chief Ogunlade’s death is not only a loss to Ekiti State but Nigeria as a whole.”. He praised the deceased, describing him as “a man who lived a spartan life that is worthy of emulation.”

While comforting his entire family, the Speaker said “we should rather be happy that God gave him opportunity to witness a long life on earth.” He  urged Nigerians to emulate the life of the late minister.

A member of the deceased family Sunday Osatuyi Victor a.k.a Agbuna who announced the burial arrangements of High Chief George Ayodele Ogunlade revealed that  the burial  of  High Chief George Ayodele  Ogunlade, CFR, the Bashorun of Ilupeju-Ekiti shall commence with Service of songs at his residence, Harmony Villa, Ilupeju-Ekiti on Friday, 28th October, 2022 at  3:00pm while funeral Service shall hold at St. John’s Anglican Church, Araromi Quarters, Ilupeju-Ekiti on Saturday 29th October, 2022 at 10:00 am which will be followed by interment at Harmony Villa. Reception holds thereafter at the same venue.

Osatuyi  Victor declared, “Baba lived a well fulfilled life. He was a federal minister twice. He made an attempt to be Ondo state Governor. He was an Industrialist of note, a reforming community leader, high chief in the community who showed  good sample as a parent and  family person.

“He was equally an educationists of note and much more, my man and  our good friend. Ilupeju-Ekiti community will surely miss him as one of the pillars of the community who has  in-depth treasure for native language, culture and  native intelligence. His  originality is not deniable,” he eulogized.