By Folorunso Ojo, Akure
One of the leading aspirants in the scheduled April 25 governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Dr Paul Akintelure is dead.
Akintelure, a medical doctor from Igbotako, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state, died in the early hours of Tuesday, during a brief illness.
The late medical doctor turned politician was the running mate to the late former Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, during the 2012 gubernatorial election on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Meanwhile, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reacted to the sudden demise of Akintelure, describing it as shocking and devastating.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the Akintelure family, the people of Okitipupa local government area and the progressive fold in Ondo State.
“Dr. Akintelure was a wonderful human being and was a core progressive. He was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in Ondo State and Nigeria.
“He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many. We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed”, the Governor said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa added that the death of Dr. Akintelure at this critical time in the life of the State is saddening and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The State Chairman, APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, described the deceased as a personal friend, with whom he had good relationship over the years saying the news is shocking.
“Akintelure was a highly refined and consistent political figure, whose position was that the essence of being in politics is to build the people and the land.
“The contributions of the departed political leader, to the development and stability of Ondo State chapter of APC will not be forgotten.
“Like other governorship aspirants, he was optimistic of victory, come April. He had many other plans; death was never part of them”, he added.
The State chapter condoles with the immediate family, Igbotako Community, his political associates, and the Nigerian Medical Association, may his soul rest in peace.
Also, in his reaction, one of the Frontline APC aspirants in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke said he received with “profound shock the news of the sudden demise of a highly revered leader of our party who was until his death an aspirant to the office of the Governor.”
