Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
Reported by Abimbola Obatayo, Ibadan
…visits S/West PDP chair, survivors of accident
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has expressed sadness over the death of Mrs. Toyin Ajinde Ezeifedi a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.
This was made known today 22nd September through a press statement signed by the Special Assistant (Print Media) to Governor Makinde, Moses Alao, who indicated that the Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, visited Mrs. Ezeifedi’s family as well as other victims of the accident.
Mrs. Ezeifedi, alongside three other chieftains of the party, including the senator representing Ondo South, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo; a governorship aspirant in the state, Chief Banji Okunomo and Mrs Yetunde Dada, were involved in the fatal accident a few weeks ago.
Representatives of the Oyo State Governor were led on the visits by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Prince Diran Odeyemi.
The Governor admonished the husband of the deceased Mr. Jude Ezeifedi and her aged mother, to “take heart and put their faith in God who knows all things and does as He wills,” promising to, as the only Governor of the PDP in the South-West, stand with them “during this time of trouble time.”
The statement indicated that the entourage also visited the National Vice Chairman of the PDP (South-West), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, in Akure.
The statement quoted Senator Tofowomo, Okunomo and Dada, as expressing deep appreciation to Governor Makinde for his good gesture
The governor’s emissary also charged them not to allow the temporary setback to deter them from putting in more efforts to strengthen the party in the state.
At the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, where he visited Okunomo, who was still recuperating, Makinde said: “I charge you to be strong and be of good courage at this time despite this temporary setback. We are deeply saddened by the death of Mrs Ajinde but also give glory to God for all of you that survived the accident. I encourage you to see the incident as an act of God and to keep up the fight by teaming up with others to rebuild the PDP in Ondo State ahead of the governorship election next year.
“As we have said before, all aspirants should rest assured that there will be a level playing field for all as we embark on the all-important task of reclaiming Ondo State, which used to be a PDP stronghold.”
In his response, Okunomo appreciated Makinde for his commitment to the development of the party in the South-West and his particular gesture of standing with the PDP in Ondo State in its trying times. He promised not to give up the fight.
