Mr. Jacob Ogunmola, the Accord party’s House of Representatives candidate for Atisbo, Saki East, and Saki West federal constituencies in Oyo State, died unexpectedly on Monday.
According to Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Director of Media for the Bayo Adelabu Campaign Organisation (BACO), Ogunmola died on Sunday night after complaining of minor chest pain.
Chief Bayo Adelabu, who is still reeling from the incident, has called for a seven-day suspension of all consultations and campaign activities.
The statement reads: “This came as a total shock to me and members of our team. He was with us during our various consultations to Oke Ogun and other parts of the State and he looked quite okay,” Adelabu lamented adding that Ogunmola’ s death was like a dream: “I do not want to wake from.”
“I have directed a 7–day mourning period while flag would also be lowered at half mast at the BACO office in Jericho, Ibadan.”
“My heartfelt condolences go to his wife, children, other members of his immediate and extended families, the Accord party in Oke Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria over the loss of this humble and generous gentleman. May the Almighty God grant his soul peace repose,” Adelabu prayed.
The Accord governorship candidate enjoined party faithful to continue to pray for the peaceful repose of Ogunmola’s soul.
“They should also continue to maintain the peace that Accord party has been known for. The best thing is for us to work hard and win the governorship election and all other elective positions, this is the only way to show that Ogunmola’s hard work was not in vain”, he said.
Also reacting to the death of Ogunmola, the Director-General of the Adebayo Adelabu Campaign Organisation, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke said he was still speechless over the death of the highly vibrant party candidate who had been one of the most active members of the party in the state.
“He was very active in our various consultations and we had high expectations of his chances in the forth coming election. This is really very sad,” he said.
Ogunmola was the former Caretaker Chairman, Atisbo Local government under late Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in the state.
He was also the founder of Jacob Ogunmola Foundation, which has helped thousands of people through empowerment and skills acquisition programmes.