A former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Alhaji Suleiman Adebodun Onabiyi, who served as a commissioner under his administration.
The late Onabiyi died on Sunday, October 22, this year. The elder statesman was renowned for his grassroots politics and philanthropic activities in his community and beyond. He served as Chairman of Ifo Local Council under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Commissioner for Agriculture, Chairman of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Chairman, Elders Council of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, among others.
A book, ‘Prince of the Grassroots’, a biography of Chief Suleiman Onabiyi, Okanlomo of Egbaland, was written in his honour. Amosun, in a press statement, described him as a selfless leader.
His words: “A great lover of the masses, a kind hearted leader and a man of admirable carriage, Chief Onabiyi will be remembered for the many lives he touched positively through his philanthropic gesture, and for his devotion and commitment to the cause of the Almighty Allah (SWT).
“I’m deeply touched that our political family has been depleted of a committed leader, a great supporter and a father figure. I thank the Almighty Allah (SWT) for his life and the indelible legacies he left behind.
“It is my prayer that Allah (SWT) will grant Chief Sule Onabiyi Aljannah Fridaus, and give his wife, children, grandchildren and the entire family, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”