January 26, (THEWILL) – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday mourned Former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya and a Reverend of the Baptist Church, Prof. Osadolor Imasogie
The ex-president, who described late Adeniran-Ogunsanya as an untiring champion of women empowerment, said that Imasogie was a man of God who was kind to everyone in a spiritual way.
Obasanjo expressed his condolences in a press release made available to newsmen by his Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The octogenarian in a condolence letter to the family of Princess Adenrele said he received the death of the former secretary to the Lagos State Government with deep sorrow, saying “all of us, indeed, have been irretrievably deprived of a gem.”
He said that Omowonuade of Owu kingdom was committed in the discharge of her duties as the Secretary to Lagos State Government during Babatunde Fashola tenure as the governor of the state between 2007 and 2011.
The ex-president, however, commiserates with her family, Lagos State government and the people of the state over her demise, saying that her enormous contributions to the state and its women earned her the position in the state’s public service.
He said “she served Lagos State committedly, loyally and with distinction, notably as the Secretary to the Lagos State Government during the first term of Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, as the Governor of Lagos State between 2007 and 2011. Indeed, she left her mark indelibly in whatever she was called upon to do. She was a dutiful and hardworking fellow and gave her very best to the end in the service of Lagos State and her fatherland.”
“Indeed, we should like to commiserate as well with the good people of Lagos State on her demise. Her enormous contributions to the State in particular earned her an eminent position in the State’s gallery of unforgettable public servants.”
“It is also worthy of note that Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya was a highly respected traditional title-holder and community leader, particularly in Owu Kingdom, where she was conferred with the title of ‘Omowonuade’ by the late Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosunmu.”
“Her reputation as a courageous political leader, true patriot, great mobiliser, skillful organiser and untiring champion of women empowerment was also well known. These qualities assured her of a foremost place in the ranks of great leaders among Nigerian womenfolk. She will long be remembered for her impeccable integrity and warm humanity.”
Similarly, Obasanjo also commiserates with the Nigerian Baptist Church family over the passing of a servant of God Rev. (Prof.) Imasogie, described his death as “heartbroken”.
He said that Imasogie was a hardworking theologian and a scholar, whose death had created a big vacuum in Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Baptist Church, noting that he would be greatly missed as a saint servant of God.
The two termed civilian president who recalled how on assumption to his office as the president of the country in 1999, said that the man of God always prayed for him fervently and provided spiritual support for his success as a leader.
He said “I am heart-broken about his passing. He was so kind to all in a very spiritual way. He was truly a very saintly Servant of God whose departure from this earth would, no doubt, create a big vacuum in Nigeria, particularly in the Nigerian Baptist Church.
“I remember vividly on my assumption of office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1999, he was always praying fervently and providing spiritual assistance for the country as a whole and for my success as a leader.”
“This was a profound experience for me, and I know that men and women everywhere have lost a devoted and inspirational leader. Indeed, his prayers, together with other Nigerians’, were encouraging and answered. His death has no doubt touched the lives of people in all parts of the world, more so the Baptist faithful.” he noted.
