Fayemi, Osuntokun, others express shock over Maitama Sule’s demise

A cross section of notable indigenes of Ekiti on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late elder statesman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who died on Monday.

Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the development included the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who described the death as “ a rude shock.’’

According to Fayemi, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode , the late Sule was a great asset to the Nigerian nation, especially in his role as a forthright and dependable bridge builder.

Fayemi, who revealed his close association with the late Sule, said he met him only last week on his sick bed to put finishing touches to the launch of his latest book.

The minister said the vacuum created by the death of Sule would be difficult to fill, especially in his numerous roles as a forthright and vocal voice.

Also reacting, a former presidential aide, Chief Akin Osuntokun, described the late Sule as a unique Nigerian public figure in many respects.

Osuntokun, also a former Managing Director of NAN, said in Ado Ekiti that ” what really stands out was his political longevity and relevance.’’

“He straddled the First and Second Republics like a political titan; he brought the grace of his social skills to reinforce his political versatility.

” He had a great gift for public relations and oratorial profundity which became a remarkable facility for him to habitually mediate in political conflicts as well as broker peace and rapport

” In this respect, his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations was most befitting, his old age regardless,’’ Osuntokun added.

Also reacting, former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Chief Dare Bejide, told NAN that Nigeria had lost one of the fathers of the nation.

“He was an articulate, passionate, God fearing father of Nigeria; we have indeed lost a gem. May Allah forgive him and grant him aljana firdus,’’ he said.

A former Minister of Health, Chief Julius Adelusi, who said he was shocked, reserved comments for now.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress in Ekiti, Chief Jide Awe, said the late Sule was ” a statesman indeed; we will remember him for good.’’

NAN