Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday declared that he received with utter shock, the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of the Punch Newspapers, Mr. Wale Aboderin.
He described him as an illustrious son of the state, and a lovable brother and consummate gentleman.
Ajimobi in a statement mailed to DAILY POST his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, lamented that death “had again snatched one of the great sons of the land, who spread his signature effervescence and love everywhere he went”.
The governor expressed sadness that death cut short the dream of the foremost entrepreneur and affable administrator, whose magic wand, he said, had further entrenched the Punch as a dominant force in the newspaper industry.
Ajimobi said, “That the Punch newspaper now prints simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt is directly attributable to the business acumen, dexterity and go-getting efforts of my late brother, who toiled day and night to sustain the family’s business legacy.
“The enigma called death has again cut short the life of one of our shining and unassuming stars. Wale was a great citizen of our dear state and son of the soil in whom we were well pleased. The news of his sudden death saddens me.
“His simplicity and modest lifestyle despite sitting atop a multi-billion naira enterprise are exemplary and noteworthy. I was told that no employee enters his office with a frown without leaving with a smile.
“I can boldly say that death is not the end of my adorable brother’s life, since only his body departed us. His spirit can never die; it continues to live with us. His legacies of humility, selflessness, integrity, diligence and Godliness shall continue to live with us.
“I know that no soothing words can help ease the pain and loss that my sister, his dear wife and lovable children are feeling at this moment, but they will forever be in my prayers and thoughts.”
The governor prayed that God should give the entire Aboderin family, management and staff of the Punch newspapers, the sports community, as well as his friends and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
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