Posted by From SOLA ANIMASHAUN, Oyo on
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the death of Chief Toun Onabanjo, daughter of former governor of Ogun State, as shocking and incomprehensible.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the death of Chief Toun Onabanjo, daughter of former governor of Ogun State, as shocking and incomprehensible.
In a statement released by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Tuesday, Atiku said the death of Chief Onabanjo came as a shock to him.
'Few weeks back, we celebrated her 60th birthday. Toun has been actively involved in the efforts to entrench democracy in our country," Atiku said.
"Since the Social Democratic Party (SDP) days when our path crossed, Toun came across as an indefatigable fighter for democracy, good governance and the protection of the rights of women and the downtrodden.
'She was fully engaged in the process leading to the formation of our great party, the Action Congress. She was full of ideas, full of energy, and had an unqualified faith in the development of Nigeria .
'Toun was faithful to the political cause she believed in and she rose above ethnic and religious sentiments at critical stages of our nascent democracy. During the recent reign of terror and lawlessness, she refused to be cowed and intimidated by those who felt uncomfortable with her choice of political camp and friends.
'I will personally miss her wise and frank counsel. My family will miss her friendship. Our party will miss her tireless contributions. Nigeria has lost a patriot who believed in her divine place in the history of mankind.
'My condolence goes to our dear Mama, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabanjo over the passage of a loving daughter. I sympathise with her children and family. May God grant her eternal rest," Atiku prayed.