From Kemi Yesufu, Abuja, Clement Adeyi, Osogbo and Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

Governors of Ogun and Oyo states, Ibikunke Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi respectively, have commiserated with their Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola. 

The late octogenarian fondly called Iya Olobi, Daily Sun gathered, died yesterday morning at the family house in Ilesa, during a brief illness.

Amosun, in a statement, signed by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, said the governor’s late mother, popularly called ‘Iya Olobi’, was a devout Muslim, who dedicated her life to the relentless teaching and zealous practise of the core values of Islam. 

Also, Oyo State governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, described Madam Aregbesola’s demise as depressing and disheartening.

Ajimobi described the deceased as a pride to womanhood and pillar of support to her son. The governor said Mama Aregbesola deserved to be celebrated for living a life worthy of emulation and for nurturing her children to stardom.

Former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Kalu, also expressed his heartfelt condolences to  Governor Aregbesola over the death of his mother.

Kalu said: “No doubt, the place of a mother in the life of a child regardless of age cannot be overemphasised. However, rather than mourn, the deceased’s children should celebrate Alhaja Saratu for her community service.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “I was pained to hear the news of the passing of Governor Aregbesola’s mother because I know Ogbeni Rauf was fond of her.

“Judging from the exemplary qualities of Governor Aregbesola, there is no doubt that his late mother was a God-fearing person. Mama’s good deeds will continue to speak volumes for her. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ogbeni and his siblings at this moment of grief.”

Kalu enjoined the Aregbesola’s family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a purposeful life and left behind good children and loved ones to uphold her good legacies.

The former governor, while sympathising with the government and people of Osun State, prayed that Allah would grant Alhaja Saratu Al-Jannat Firdaus and give the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by Tinubu Media Office yesterday in Lagos, said: “Mama Aregbesola was a great mother, an epitome of motherhood. She always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers through thick and thin.

“She was like a mother to me as well. Governor Aregbesola was very close to his mum. I wish I could find the right word to comfort him. I have been through that way too. I know how it feels to lose a mother.”

Osun State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Najeem Salaam, also in a statement by Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, described late octogenarian as a charitable and benevolent woman who loved her family, God and community people. 

“Mama Olobi was a mother in a million who cared for every one that came her way,” the statement said. 

The state All Progressives Congress (APC), which also commiserated with Aregbesola said it received the news with regret and sadness.

“As we mourn this natural event of the octogenarian, we also have cause to be grateful to Allah for the life of this great woman who has had the unique grace of giving birth to a child that has become a jewel not only to the people of Osun and Yoruba land in particular but also Nigeria generally,” the party’s Chairman, Gboyega Famodun, said in a statement. 

On his part, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Lasun Yussuff, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Wole Oladimeji, described the death of the late governor’s mother as saddening.   

He said her life is worthy of emulation, as she surmounted the odds to raise her children, with all of them growing to be leaders in their chosen fields.

State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the death as painful.

The party Chairman, Soji Adagunodo, described the late Alhaja Aregbesola as an industrious, virtuous and religious woman during her lifetime.