By Feyisetan Hamzat
Former Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Teslim Folarin, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prof. Isiaka Kolawole, describing him as a good brother, trusted political ally and committed progressive.
Kolawole, a prominent Oyo APC chieftain, former Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and public servant, died recently, throwing his family, political associates and members of the APC in Oyo State into mourning.
Folarin, who appointed Kolawole as Director-General of his 2023 Oyo State Governorship Campaign Council, said the late professor was one of the most straightforward, principled and disciplined politicians he had ever worked with.
In a condolence message, Folarin said Kolawole served in different capacities with honour and maintained an untainted record of public service.
He particularly recalled the late professor's leadership skills, maturity, sound judgement and wise counsel, which he said were invaluable to him during their political collaboration.
“Prof. Kolawole was much more than a political associate to me. He was a good brother, dependable ally and committed progressive who served with honour and an untainted record wherever he was called upon to serve.”
Folarin described his death as a painful loss to the deceased's family, friends, political associates and the wider progressive family in Oyo State.
He said Kolawole's contributions to the APC and public service would be sorely missed, describing him as a principled leader whose counsel and experience remained valuable to those who worked with him.
The former senator extended his condolences to Kolawole's family and loved ones, as well as members of the Oyo State APC.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased's shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while asking Allah to grant the bereaved family and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.
Kolawole's death has also drawn tributes from other Oyo political figures, including APC governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who described him as a distinguished scholar, administrator, politician and public servant.
Prof. Isiaka Kolawole served as Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC and also held a political appointment during the administration of the late former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
May his soul rest in peace.
