Gov. Makinde’s mother dies at 81; We’ve lost a gem, family laments; ‘She was a stabilizing factor’ – Oyo govt.

The mother of Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Abigail Makinde, has passed on at the age of 81.

She died in her sleep at her home, 7B, Oyeleke Street, Ikolaba, Ibadan, in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, 2020.

According to a statement by Barrister (Chief) Muyiwa Makinde, Jagun Olubadan, for the family, Mrs Makinde gave no indication of any sickness before passing on peacefully.

He said “while we appreciate the Almighty for sparing her life thus far, we must confess that we will sorely miss her counsel, motherly role and impact on the lives of her children and the grandchildren.

“We will equally miss her impactful role as a stabilizing force in the family, her community and especially Oyo State, which is currently being governed by her son and our brother, Engineer Seyi Makinde.”

He also thanked well-wishers who have been praying and condoling with the family over the passage of their mother.

Meanwhile, the Oyo state government has commiserated with the Makinde family on the loss of their matriarch, saying that while she lived, she was a stabilizing factor in the state.

A statement by Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, Secretary to the State Government, said “Our hearts are with the family, on the sudden departure of Mama, who did not show any sign of sickness until she peacefully departed this world.

“While we join millions of indigenes and residents of Oyo State and well-wishers across the globe to condole with His Excellency, Governor Makinde and the entire Makinde family over the departure of our revered matriarch, we are equally thankful to the Almighty, who gave her a glorious and fulfilled life.

“We are also happy that Almighty God spared her life to witness countless accomplishments of her children, including the election of her son, Engineer Seyi Makinde, as the 8th democratically elected Governor and Chief Executive of Oyo State.

“The State Executive Council, and indeed the entire Government of Oyo State, remain particularly thankful for the stabilizing roles Mama played in Oyo State while she was with us.

“We can only urge the family to please take solace in the good deeds of Mama, which will remain indelible on the sands of time.

“May Mama’s soul rest peacefully with the Lord.”