ONDO State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has declared seven-day of mourning from Monday following the death on Friday of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.
Mimiko made this declaration as Senator Danjuma Goje lamented the death of Agagu, saying “It came to me as a shock, a very rude shock,” in a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Yaro.
Between the years 2000 and 2002, Alhaji Danjuma Goje was Minister of State for Power and Steel, while Dr. Olusegun Agagu was the substantive minister in the same ministry. The following year, the two men went on to become governors of their respective states: Agagu in Ondo, Goje in Gombe.
“Dr. Agagu was an absolute gentleman, quite brilliant, and very patriotic. When we ran the Power and Steel Ministry together, you could see his passion for the country. He was very dedicated and committed. It must have been these qualities the people of Ondo State saw in him, and for which they elected him governor in 2003,” Goje stated.
Mimiko gave the seven-day mourning order yesterday during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in his Ikoyi, Lagos residence. His wife, Olukemi, members of the national and state assemblies and state executive council from the southern senatorial district and top government officials accompanied him. The younger brother to the late former governor and his chief of staff, Mr. Femi Agagu and members of the family received the governor.
Mimiko described the late Agagu as a colossus of intellectual and political capabilities, who achieved so much greatness in his lifetime.
He assured that the deceased would be accorded a state burial.
In his response, the eldest son of the late Dr. Agagu, Mr. Feyi Agagu, thanked the governor and his entourage for the visit, particularly for Mimiko’s kind words. He described his late father as an epitome of integrity and selfless service to humanity. Prayer was later offered for the family of the deceased and the state.
Goje urged the Olusegun Mimiko administration to immortalize Agagu by naming landmark and enduring institutions after him in the state.
Eminent Nigerians that condoled with the family yesterday included General T.Y Danjuma, Chief Johnson Fasawe, Kingsley Kuku, Funsho Kupolokun and Dr. Olu Agunloye and his wife.