President Muhammadu Buhari and former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida have commiserated with government and people of Ogun, Ekiti and Oyo states over passing of former military Governor and Administrator, Gen. Adetunji Idowu Olurin.
The President,in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina on Saturday, joined family, friends and professional colleagues in mourning the military officer, who served the country meritoriously in his career, extending support when he was called upon as military Governor in Oyo State, and later as Administrator in Ekiti State. He also was outstanding as ECOMOG Commander in Liberia.
Buhari noted that Gen. Olurin’s efforts in community development, particularly in his state, Ogun, willingly putting his experience and knowledge at the service of various governments.
The President prayed that the Almighty God would grant the departed soul eternal rest, and comfort his family.
In a similar vein, IBB said he received the news of Olurin’s death with shock.
His words: “Tunji was a very close confidante and a Military Officer whose sterling qualities of competence and loyalty were identified by me and my other military colleagues.
As a result of this he was found roundly qualified to be given a position of public trust. He was posted first as the Military Governor of Oyo State after which he was posted as the GOC of 3 Armoured Division Jos. He was also the Field Commander in the ECOMOG Peace Keeping Force in Liberia.
President Olusegun Obasanjo later appointed him as the Sole Administrator of Ekiti State after the declaration of a State of Emergency in Ekiti State.
“I have known Tunji as a fine Officer and Gentleman who will be missed by his Family, friends, associates and all of us whose lives he touched very closely in more ways than one while on national assignment and as a friend and committed ally.
“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his Family and the Nigerian Army on the passing of this gallant Officer Gentleman.”
Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by his chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, described the late general as a committed officer and elder statesman who served his country passionately.
The governor also praised Mr Olurin’s contribution to governance in Oyo and Ekiti states during his tenure as military governor and sole administrator in the two states respectively.
He also commiserated with Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of Ogun State, especially the indigenes of Ilaro on the demise of their son.
“He was a committed military officer. He fought along with several other patriots tirelessly for a united Nigeria as well as ECOMOG during his days in the Nigerian Army,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
“He also made lots of positive impact and contributions to governance during his lifetime, first as a military governor of Oyo State between September 1985 and July 1988 and later as sole administrator of Ekiti State between October 19, 2006, and April 27, 2007.
“I pray that God will grant Brigadier-General Adetunji Olurin (rtd) eternal rest and give the immediate family, friends, Nigerian army, and the people of Ilaro and Ogun State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Makinde mourns
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State described Mr Olurin’s death as painful.
The governor, in a statement Taiwo Adisa, his chief press secretary, condoled the people of Oyo State over the demise of one of the past administrators who shaped the state.
“I learnt of the death of former Military Administrator of Oyo State, Gen. ‘Tunji Idowu Olurin.
“It is a sunset for another great man and one of the first set of leaders that providence gave to Oyo State at its earliest stage.
“Through the efforts and contributions of Gen. Olurin and other leaders, the foundation for the shaping of the pacesetter state, which has become a first among equals, was successfully laid.
“Gen. Olurin’s death at this time, when his wealth of experience in leadership can be of immense help to the current crop of leaders, is painful.
“I commiserate with the entire Olurin Family of Ilaro and the Government and people of Ogun State.
“I pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Mr Makinde said.
Fayemi
In Ekiti, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the late general was a selfless statesman, a courageous soldier, and an altruistic patriot who served his country diligently during his lifetime.
Mr Fayemi, in a condolence message signed by his chief press secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Mr Olurin’s demise as a great loss, not only to his state of Ogun, but to Ekiti, and Nigeria as a whole.
Mr Fayemi said the deceased discharged his duties as the sole administrator of Ekiti State with a great measure of fairness and firmness.
The governor said that Mr Olurin left some legacies he would be remembered for in the annals of Ekiti.
Mr Fayemi said that although the late Olurin was a soldier, he was a man of the people who was very much concerned about their welfare and was ever ready to solve problems brought to his attention.
The governor noted that Mr Olurin brought his humane nature and professionalism to bear during his tenure as the military governor of the old Oyo State.
“This, he also replicated while on peace-keeping assignment as the Field Commander of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia,”Fayemi added.
Mr Fayemi said the history of how a lasting peace was achieved in the then war-torn Liberia would not be completed without a worthy mention and glowing chapters written on the sterling contributions of the late Olurin.
He said that he was sad that Mr Olurin’s demise came just a few weeks after the death of a distinguished daughter of Ekiti, Abike Sonoiki, who served during the emergency rule as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The governor prayed God to grant the family and associates of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss, urging them to be consoled by the legacies of service, selflessness, and excellence he left behind.
