Aregbesola’s mother: APC, PDP, Tinubu, lawmakers mourn

Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, the mother of  Governor Rauf Aregbesola of  Osun State is dead.
The octogenarian died in the early hours of Tuesday in Ilesa, the governor’s hometown.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has already condoled with the governor over the death.
The APC Chairman in the state, Mr Gboyega Famodun,  said in a condolence message in Osogbo that the deceased lived a fulfilled life.
“As we mourn this natural event of the octogenarian, we also have cause to be grateful to Allah for the life of this great woman.
“She had the unique grace of giving birth to a child that has become a jewel not only to the people of Osun and Yoruba land in particular, but also Nigeria generally.
“On behalf of the good people of Osun and the numerous supporters of the APC in the state and beyond, we extend our sympathy to our beloved governor and his family for the loss of Alhaja Saratu,’’ he stated.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, on its part,  described the death of the governor’s mother as painful.
The party, in  a condolence message signed by its Chairman, Mr Soji Adagunodo,  said the deceased was an industrious, virtuous and religious woman.
Adagunodo said the demise of  “ Mama Olobi’’ was not only a loss to her family but also to the entire state.
“May Allah grant the deceased eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss,’’  it said.
The Osun State House of Assembly also commiserated with the governor over the demise of his mother.
A statement by Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, described Aregbesola’s mother as charitable and benevolent, adding that she would be greatly missed.
“Mama Olobi was a mother in a million who cared for every one that came in contact with her.
“She was a very cool, calm and collected personality and a successful woman in kolanut business
“The Assembly prays God to grant Alhaja Saratur Al-Janat Firdaus,’’ the statement said.
The Yoruba Youth Socio-cultural Association (YYSA) described the death as a monumental loss.
A condolence message by the association’s President, Mr Olalekan Hammed, said the deceased invested in all her wards.
“Alhaja Aregbesola was highly religious person and a proud mother who possessed all motherly  qualities and invested in her wards.
“We thank God for her life, ’’ the statement added.
Also, the national headquarters of APC, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expresses its condolence to Aregbesola.
The statement reads: “While Alhaja Saratu‘s death is a sad and painful loss to the family and indeed Osun State, we should take solace on the fact that she lived a long and impactful life.
“The late Alhaja Saratu will be remembered as a devout Muslim and caring mother. She was always associated with community development and humanitarian initiatives.
“We pray Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the late Alhaja Saratu eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss”.
APC national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also commiserated with Aregbesola.
Tinubu described Mama Aregbesola as a great mother who always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers.
This is contained in a condolence message by Tinubu Media Office on Tuesday in Lagos.
Tinubu said: “Mama Aregbesola was a great mother, an epitome of motherhood. She always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers through thick and thin.
“Mama was like a mother to me as well. We would miss her and her prayers. She passed on while her son was away in Kebbi, Kebbi State in the course of national duty.
“Governor Aregbesola was very close to his mum.  I wish I could find the right word to comfort him. I have been through that way too. I know how it feels to lose a mother. A mother’s place is huge in our life. No one can take the place of our mother.
“No matter how old she may be, we never wish that our dear mother leaves us. My prayer is that our prayers help comfort Aregbesola.
“My condolences go out to other members of the Aregbesola family. We will never forget mama. We would pray for her as she prayed for us. May God give her eternal rest”.