Bamidele Olumilua: Oni mourns ex-Ondo Governor

An ex-Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, has described the late former Governor of the old Ondo State, Bamidele Olumilua, as a leader with outstanding wisdom, integrity, transparency and intellectual capacity, whose progressive footprints would remain indelible in the annala of history.

Oni said Olumilua’s belief in contentment and selfless service reflected in his modest lifestyle even after relinquishing powers , branding him as one of the few leaders that served the nation without preference for amassing of ill-gotten wealth at the expense of the poor citizens .

Olumilua , who ruled the old Ondo State between 1992-1993 died on Friday at the age of 80 after a brief illness .

Oni’s tributes were contained in letter of condolence sent to the family of the late elder statesman, on Saturday .

Oni’s letter delivered by the head of his delegation, Chief Gani Faniyi to the deceased’s wives , Bolatito and Yimika, and son, who is the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Muyiwa Olumilua, said the late politician had engraved his name in gold as one leader with unquenchable penchant for simplicity and incorruptibility.

The ex-Governor said: “Our leader, who has gone to rest at the bosom of the Lord was a person of faith , honour and character, who displayed selfless services to God and mankind.

“The holy book established the fact that individuals of this elderstatesman’s stature don’t die, but just changed position to be with the Lord, as flesh cannot take us to eternal rest.

“While praying to God for the repose of his soul in the bosom of the lord, I am pained that we shall surely miss his clarity of purpose and bluntness on issues, no matter how inflammable.

“Former Governor Olumilua gave his honest, transparent and incorruptible services as the Governor of the old Ondo State and as career Ambassador for Nigeria even beyond the shores of our nation.

“He came , he served well and carved a niche for himself as a detribalistic pan-Nigerian leader, who shared the vision of limitless greatness for our nation and its people .

“I pray to God to grant the people of Ekiti State and Olumilua’s immediate family the courage and equanimity to bear this monumental loss.”