President Goodluck Jonathan, at the weekend, commiserated with the government and people of Ondo State on the death of the highly respected pro-democracy activist and renowned economist, Dr. Baba Oluwide Omojola.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan expressed sincere condolences to Omojola's immediate and extended family, friends, associates and the professional colleagues of the late nationalist, patriot and indefatigable advocate of good governance, who dedicated his life to the pursuit of social justice and a better life for others.
Jonathan noted that Omojola remained faithful to the cause of justice, equity and progress for all Nigerians till the end of his life.
The President urged all who mourn Omojola to ensure that his life-long labours were not in vain by emulating the exemplary dedication and patriotism he showed in journeying to Akure to make a submission on the coming national conference at the very advanced age of 75.
Jonathan said he believed Omojola's inheritors, friends and associates in the long struggle for a better Nigeria can truly honour his memory by joining hands with other patriots to ensure the success of the planned national dialogue to which he was so evidently committed.
The President prayed that God would receive the soul of the departed nationalist, whose contributions to national discourse would be greatly missed and grant him a peaceful rest from his earthly labours.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described the death of Baba Omojola, as a big loss to democracy in Nigeria.
Dr. Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, described Omojola as one of the champions of democracy being enjoyed in the country today.
He noted that Omojola stood out to be counted among patriotic Nigerians who worked tirelessly to chase the military usurpers out of the corridors of power.
Describing Omojola as a dogged fighter whose commitment to revolutionary change in the country is unparalleled, Fayemi said the deceased pursued the cause he believed in, stressing that the Omojola encouraged younger elements in the struggle to enthrone democracy.
The governor said Omojola gave inspiration to him (Fayemi) and other activists in the heat of the battle to revalidate the result of the June12, 1993 election.
He said; "Baba played a prominent role in the struggle to revalidate the result of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
Also, the Campaign for Campaign (CD) yesterday said that the good name and deeds of the late human rights activist will remain indelible forever.
CD in a statement by its President, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said generations down the line will continue to draw inspiration from Baba Omojola's rich life dedicated to the emancipation of the down trodden.
The statement reads in part: "The Campaign for Democracy (CD) mourns the passing away of a veteran activist, committed crusader and a dedicated humanist, Comrade Baba Omojola.
"His transition to immortality took place in Akure, Ondo State, hours after he made a presentation on behalf of PRONACO to the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference.
"In Baba we have lost about the last of the generation of uncompromising crusaders of unbroken decades. He has joined the league of the departed caucus of unbending change agents of which the prominent are; Alao Aka-Bashorun, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti and Chima Ubani, from whom we draw eternal inspiration.
"Baba has played his part very well and has left indelible marks. We shall bury the mortal part of him but his good name and deeds remain indelible forever.
"Generations down the line will continue to draw inspiration from his rich life dedicated to the emancipation of the down trodden. Our prayer is that God will protect the family he has left behind.
"We shall keep his memory alive by rededicating ourselves to the cause he lived and died for."
Source: Jonathan, Fayemi, CD mourn Omojola (http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/jonathan-fayemi-cd-mourn-omojola/)
May the gentle soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace!