ALL Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday expressed shock over the death of the first democratically-elected Governor of Osun State.

The former Lagos State Governor described Adeleke’s death as a grief too heavy bear, coming on the heels of Dipo Famakinwa’s demise.

Tinubu, who spoke through a statement by Mr Tunde Rahman of his Media Office, said: “I received the news of Senator Isiaka Adeleke’s death with numbing shock. It was too much to bear coming barely a day after that of Dipo Famakinwa. The news of his death was both sudden and saddening for me and I am sure for most members of our political family.

“Senator Adeleke was a grassroots politician with a rich political background. He was hugely popular in his Osun State, particularly in the three local governments in Ede, his hometown. He was a major leader of our party, the APC. His leadership and good counsel were still very much required when death came.

“The late senator and I shared mutual respect and affection. My path and his first crossed during the aborted Third Republic, in the 1992/93 era, when we both belonged in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the rebirth of democratic dispensation in 1999 but he later joined us in the APC in the build-up to the 2015 election.

“We would always remember him as that charismatic first civilian governor of Osun State who left behind a legacy in the area of education by establishing Ire Polytechnic and College of Education, Esa-Oke, among other laudable things he did during his time.

“Adeleke was with us in Lagos during the colloquium marking my 65th birthday. He also joined us for the inauguration of Aboru-Abesan Link Bridge and adjoining roads constructed by Governor Ambode and opened as part of my 65th birthday anniversary.

“I commiserate with his wife and children. I commiserate with the entire Adeleke family and his friends and numerous supporters. My heart also goes out to his brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke. I mourn with Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the people of Osun State over this unfortunate occurrence.

“I pray that they all have the strength to withstand this loss. I also pray for the repose of Adeleke’s soul.”