Ondo Health Commissioner’s Death: Tributes roll in as Governor declares Friday public holiday

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By Mayowa Olumuyiwa

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has declared Friday a work-free day in honour of Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, who died on Thursday after contracting the deadly Covid-19.

Akeredolu pronounced this virtually as he is currently self-isolating after also being confirmed positive for the virus on Wednesday.

His pronouncement was contained in a press statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo.

The statement reads, “With a deep sense of sadness, the Ondo State government wishes to announce the demise of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro.”

According to the release, the late Commissioner was described as a general who died healing others.

The government also directed that all flags should fly at half-mast for seven days to honour him.

“Until his death, Adegbenro, a two-time Health Commissioner in the state, equally doubled as Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19,” he said.

“Dr. Adegbenro was in the forefront of the state’s battle against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did he signpost commitment and diligence; he, indeed, was immeasurable in his inspiration clearly defining himself as an embodiment of selflessness, hardwork and inexorable professionalism.

“This is one death too heavy to bear. The excruciating pains the timing has unsparingly wrought on us in Ondo State are no less potent. To say the least, Dr. Adegbenro was our General, and died healing others. Having served humanity with the attendant kindness, he played his part honourably”.

While directing the state residents on steps to immortalise the memory of the deceased, he noted that, “the least we can do for this Medical Hero is to plant a seed of honour for him. Accordingly, the Ondo State Government has directed that all flags in the State must fly at half-mast for 7 days from today, Thursday, 2nd of July, 2020.

“Similarly, the Ondo State Government has declared tomorrow, Friday, 3rd July, a work free-day to honour his memory as the family will commit his body to the mother earth. Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, will in a short while, commiserate with the family of the deceased as well as the good people of Ondo State, virtually,” the statement reads.

In a similar development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has described Adegbenro as a dedicated personality who was committed to the general wellbeing of everyone around him.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaye, the ruling party described Adegbenro’s death as traumatic and deflating.

It reads; “Dr. Adegbenro has been at the forefront of government’s efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Ondo State. His demise collides violently with this patriotic assignment.

“He was a party-man to the core, readily accessible, humble and dependable. His commitment to the general wellbeing of people within and outside his circle was unparalleled.”

The statement further described the deceased with the following, “Dr. Adegbenro, a two- time Commissioner in Ondo State led a rancour-free lifestyle.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, and Ifedore Local Government area in particular, would find it difficult to replace this committed and pragmatic leader.

“Although, the party is deeply traumatised by this huge loss, we pray God to console his immediate family, the people of Ifedore, Muslim community, and the Government of Ondo State. We also pray that his soul will find peace with his creator.”

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