ONDO: Akeredolu’s chief of Protocol, driver die in auto crash

TOSIN Ogunbodede, Chief of Protocol to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has been confirmed dead in an auto crash which occurred yesterday along the Ilesha-Akure Expressway.

In a statement released today, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said, “The sad incident occurred at about 7.45 pm along Ilesa-Akure road on Saturday, January 2, 2020, and Ogunbodede “died alongside his driver after the private Toyota Corolla car that conveyed them rammed into a trailer.”

Said Ojogo, “For Governor Akeredolu, this is a personal loss. It becomes more emotional when it’s recalled that the loyal and dedicated Tosin stopped by at the Governor’s Law Hub, Ibadan, to greet his Principal while returning to Akure from his uncle’s residence. 

“Even with a heavy heart, Governor Akeredolu enjoins all to take solace in the fact of God’s infallibility — He Giveth and Taketh. This is just as he expresses the heartfelt condolence of his immediate family, Government and the good people of Ondo State to the wife, children as well as the family of his late CoP.”

Ojogo said further, “The remains of the late Chief of Protocol, Tosin Ogunbodede, will arrive Owo, his hometown today (Sunday).

“This is necessary in order to commence preparations for his burial without further delay.

“The Ondo State Government shall unveil burial plans after due consultations with the family of the deceased.

A third occupant of the vehicle is said to be in critical condition with doctors battling to safe his life.

On the late, Ogunbodede, Ojogo eulogised that he “discharged his assigned duties with utmost attention and responsibility. Until his untimely death, he had been a very loyal political lieutenant of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN over the years.”

The death of Ogunbodede brings to four, the number of the governor’s aides that had died in the past two months.

Bayonile Ademodi, a Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, died two weeks ago at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile Ife, after a surgical operations. Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi, Chairman, Ondo State Mulsim Welfare Board and Co-Chairman religious Thanksgiving sub-Committee of the governor’s 2nd term inauguration also died in the US after a brief Illness. Health commissioner, Alhaji Waheed Adegbenro had died of an undisclosed ailment a little over six months ago.