Diekola Was A Dependable Ally And Confidant – Aregbesola
Former Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has mourned the death of the late Osogbo political juggernaut, Alhaji Fatai Diẹkọla, describing him as a trusted confidant, dependable ally and a man of rare sincerity.
He described the late Diẹkọla as more than a political associate, saying his passing marked the end of an era for those who worked closely with him during periods of struggle, sacrifice and victory.
The former governor recalled that as Chairman of Olorunda Local Government, Diẹkọla distinguished himself as an effective grassroots mobiliser who played a key role in his victory during the 2007 Osun State governorship election.
Aregbesola added that despite a disagreement ahead of the 2018 governorship election, both men later reconciled, describing Diẹkọla as a principled politician with a large heart and strong sense of integrity.
“I received, with profound shock but in total submission to the will of Allah, the devastating news of the passing of Alhaji Fatai Diẹkọla. This is a deeply painful loss, one that has left a void I am still struggling to comprehend.
“He was not just a political associate; he was a trusted confidant, a dependable ally and a man of uncommon sincerity. His passing marks the end of an era for many of us who walked closely with him through moments of triumph, trials and sacrifice.
“As Chairman of Olorunda Local Government, he distinguished himself as a grassroots mobiliser of rare effectiveness. He played a decisive role in my election in 2007 and stood firmly with us in the struggle to reclaim that mandate.
“Though we had a disagreement ahead of the 2018 governorship election over our party’s candidate, we later reconciled in the true spirit of maturity, which showed his principled nature and large heart.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and political associates. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus,” Aregbesola said.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
