Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has mourned the passing of a former Military Governor of the old Ondo State, Major General Ekundayo Opaleye (rtd).
It was gathered that Opaleye had died of heart attack in Abeokuta on Saturday.
Opaleye, who was the Balogun Erunmu of Owu until his death, had served Ondo government from 1986 to 1987, under the Ibrahim Babangida regime.
Born on April 7, 1946, Opaleye was the Commander of the OAU Neutral Military Organization Group (NMOG) in Rwanda, among others.
In a statement made available to Newsmen, Amosun described the deceased as an illustrious son of Owu Kingdom and a patriotic military officer.
Amosun said Opaleye would be remembered for his selfless services in the Nigerian Army, especially his various military assignments in Nigeria and Africa.
He recalled that Opaleye, beyond his military career, was unwaveringly committed to the development of Owu, Egbaland, and Ogun State.
“I recall how he successfully chaired the planning committee for the coronation ceremony of our kabiyesi, the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola in 2022. Indeed, Owu kingdom and Ogun State have lost an illustrious son,” Amosun said.
He said his thoughts and prayers are with the wife, children and the entire family he left behind.
He also commiserated with the Olowu, the Balogun of Owu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Owu Traditional Council of Chiefs, as well as the Nigerian military.
Senator Amosun prayed that God would grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
