Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have expressed griefs over the passing of a prominent Ogun monarch and veteran journalist, Olufemi Ogunleye, the Towulade of Akinale near Abeokuta.
Obasanjo said it was a great loss to the Owu chiefdom and Ogun State, in general.
Ogunleye, a lawyer, mediator and quintessential PR professional, died on Wednesday, June 19, in the United Kingdom during a brief illness at the age of 79.
Obasanjo, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the death of the Oba was shocking, having informed him about his travelling some weeks back in high spirits.
Obasanjo, who is in South Africa for the second term inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa, said Nigeria, as a whole, would miss Ogunleye for his resourcefulness and promotion of the cultural heritage of his homestead.
On his part, Gov. Abiodun described him as a great and charismatic leader who served his people with absolute commitment, impressive dignity and exemplary leadership.
In a condolence message to the Ogun State Council of Obas and Akinale community, Abiodun said the late monarch lived an eventful life and put his community on the world map during his reign.
The governor said further that Oba Femi Ogunleye contributed his own quota to the development of Ogun State after an illustrious career as a journalist.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Oba Femi Ogunleye, a revered journalist and traditional ruler who passed away in London on Wednesday at the age of 79.
“Oba Ogunleye was a titan in the media industry, known for his unwavering commitment to journalism and his quest for truth and accountability. As the Towulade of Akinale, he was a respected monarch who worked tirelessly to uplift his people and foster development in Ogun State.
“His distinguished career and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ogun State Council of Obas, his family, friends, and the entire Akinale community.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations,” the statement said.
Also, the State chapter of the NIPR in a condolence message addressed to the late Monarch’s wife, Olori Olanike Ogunleye, and signed by the duo of Oluwaseun Boye (Chairman) and Kunle Olayeni (Secretary), the body expressed its deep sense of sorrow over the death Oba Ogunleye, who until his demise was a member of the chapter.
He was a strong pillar of support for Ogun NIPR, who demonstrated unparalleled enthusiasm towards all activities and invested his time and resources to positively project Public Relations practice.
The message reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of our patriarch and foremost traditional ruler in Ogun State, the Towulade of Akinale, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr) Olufemi Ogunleye, who joined his ancestors on Wednesday, 19th June, 2024 at the age of 79 years.
“On behalf of the Executive and members of Ogun State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), we write to extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the entire family of Oba Ogunleye at this difficult time. We are deeply saddened that death has robbed our Chapter of one of its finest and accomplished members.”
Until he departed, Kabiyesi was a Fellow of the NIPR. He was an iconic figure and veteran public relations professional who rose to prominence as Public Relations Manager of the Nigeria Airways.
He made significant and indelible contributions right from his career days to when he ascended the throne of his forebears and, even, up to the point that he eventually breathed his last.
Oba Ogunleye was a charismatic leader who served his people with absolute commitment, impressive dignity and exemplary leadership.
He was a strong pillar of support for Ogun NIPR, who demonstrated unparalleled enthusiasm towards all activities and invested his time and resources to positively project Public Relations practice.
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