Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has expressed his sadness on the death of Ibadan billionaire businessman, and philanthropist, Chief Bode Akindele.
The Governor who is still mourning the death of the immediate past Governor of the state, and Senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Monday 29th June 2020, released a statement commiserating with families left behind by Chief Bode Akindele.
Governor Seyi Makinde, posting a photo showing the late Chief Bode Akindele and himself in a warm handshake, added these words to express his sadness:
“I was saddened to hear that Chief Bode Akindele, the Parakoyi of Ibadanland has passed on. I join the good people of Oyo State to mourn an illustrious son: a successful entrepreneur, a renowned industrialist and philanthropist. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” he said.
The Governor continued by adding that:
“My late father used to pray that I grow up to be like Chief Akindele. I was privileged to meet him recently, and we had discussions regarding using his medical facility, ARAMED, as an isolation centre for Oyo State. He was also the single largest donor to our state’s COVID-19 Endowment Fund.
He will be sorely missed for his kind-heartedness and good deeds. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he added.
Bode Akindele, who was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, died in his Apapa, Lagos home on Monday at the age of 88 years, according to a reliable source.
Born on June 2nd 1932, his father, Pa Joshua Laniyan Akindele, was a Chief Tax Clerk for the entire defunct Western Region, a position that can be equated to that of the Chairman of the Inland Revenue today.
His mother, Rabiatu Adedigba, was a wealthy Ibadan trader who was politically influential. Alhaja Rabiatu was the first woman to go to Mecca in Ibadan.