Senator Isiaka Adeleke Buried In Ede Amidst Tears

MICHAEL AKINOLA

The remains of the first civilian governor of Osun State and serving senator, Isiaka Adeleke has been buried Monday morning in his Ede country home.

The flamboyant Senator’s corpse was brought into his expansive mansion in Ede from Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo at about 10:46am, where the Chief Imam of Ede, Alhaji Moshood Akaje performed the funeral prayers at about 11:03 am.

Adeleke’s body was immediately interred after the prayers by the Islamic clerics amidst tears by families, friends and political associates.

Adeleke died in the early hours of Sunday, April 23, 2017, at a private hospital in Osogbo after succumbing to a protracted ailment.

Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, his Ogun and Ekiti States counterparts, Ibikunle Amosun and Ayodele Fayose were among the dignitaries that witnessed the burial amidst tribute to the late senator.

It was gathered that some youth in Ede, earlier had mobbed Mrs. Idiat Babalola, a senior special adviser to Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun State.

Babalola had visited the town to attend the burial of Isiaka Adeleke, senator representing Osun west.

It took the intervention of policemen to ferry her out of the residence.

The aggrieved individuals also threatened to prevent state government officials from attending the burial.

Earlier in his sermon,  Alhaji Ibrahim Adekilekun, the Chief Imam of Ansarudeen, Ede, described Adeleke as a man loved by all during his life time.

Adekilekun, who noted that death is inevitable for all humans, urged family members not to fight anyone over Adeleke’s death.

Youth of the town who had earlier attacked journalists, alleged that the notable politician was poisoned.

There were reports that Adeleke had interest in contesting the 2018 governorship election in Osun.

Deji, his younger brother, had told his family members to conduct autopsy before burying the deceased.

The burial which was scheduled for Sunday was then shifted till Monday.

A NAN correspondent, who was at the residence of the deceased on Monday, said the grave where he would be buried had been prepared.

Fimihan Adeoye, the state commissioner of police, was also at the residence to ensure adequate security.

The atmosphere at the late senator’s house was tense as sympathisers and family members wept profusely.

Family members are still waiting for the result of the autopsy conducted.

Meanwhile, the Osun Government has declared a 3-day mourning in the state.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, media aide to Gov Rauf Aregbesola on Monday in Osogbo.

”This is in honour of the departed first Civilian Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

“The 3-day mourning period commences from Monday, April 24, 2017.

” During the period of mourning, all flags are to fly half mast,” the statement said.

Adeleke, 62, was the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District at the Senate under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) before his death on Sunday.