President Muhammadu Buhari led the way yesterday in the payment of tributes to former military governor of Oyo State, Brig-Gen. Adetunji Idowu Olurin (rtd).
Olurin, 76, died earlier in the day of an undisclosed illness at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Lagos.
Tributes to the former ECOMOG Commander and one-time Administrator of Ekiti State also came from Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) as well as former Senate President David Mark, a former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West).
Buhari, in a condolence message, recalled Olurin’s times and activities as the military governor of old Oyo State and later administrator of Ekiti State, as well as Commander of the ECOMOG forces in Liberia.
The deceased, he said, “served the country meritoriously in his career, extending support when he was called upon as military Governor in Oyo State and later as Administrator in Ekiti State. He also was outstanding as ECOMOG Commander in Liberia.”
Buhari particularly hailed Olurin’s efforts in community development, especially in his state, Ogun, “willingly putting his experience and knowledge at the service of various governments.”
He prayed that God might grant the departed eternal rest and comfort his family.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State expressed shock over Olurin, describing him as a gallant military officer, astute administrator and an illustrious son of the state.
Abiodun said the demise of “one of Nigeria’s finest military officers is a painful loss to our state and the country.”
He said Olurin would continue to be remembered for “his meritorious service to his fatherland as well as statesmanship.”
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