The untimely death of Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, JP, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment is too shocking to believe. What an unexpected transition of a complete gentleman intellectual in politics, a role model and bridge builder who saw his participation in politics as selfless service to advance the cause of humanity.
As a former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayoola brought elegance, purposefulness and sense of duty into the House, in its debates, public interest Bills and oversight functions.
Even when he became a member of opposition party then, Ayoola maintained his elegance in politics with foresight for his goals. Rather than being crude or belligerent, he went for politics of issues, development, friendship and unity in diversity.
He was never a violent street fighter for power or ambition, but a cerebral promoter of politics without bitterness that puts the masses’ welfare as the centrepiece of his political philosophy that even when he disagreed with you or he erred, you would know that he was being human and meant no harm.
As the environment commissioner before his shocking exit, Kehinde Ayoola was the most recognized intellectual face of Makinde’s government whose experience, dynamism and charisma were to have galvanized the government he served which he also helped to bring on board.
We commiserate with Oyo State Government, family and friends of the deceased and all good people of our pacesetter state.
We all should take solace that life is not measured in his duration only but also in its donation. In donating his life for common good, Ayoola’s life, although short, was long in indelible service to the people of Oyo State. He shall be greatly missed and remembered.
Signed
*Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye*
*ALGON Chairman*
*Oyo State*
