Tope Oke, Akure
Guests were already seated on Thursday at the Democracy Park, Akure, the Ondo State capital awaiting the remains of immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu when the news filtered in that the plane carrying his remains was involved in air crash.
Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and top government officials were also at the Akure airport to receive the corpse of the former governor who died in September 13 at the age 65.
However, when the news filtered in that the corpse involved in air crash, several people at airport and the venue made several calls to either confirm or dismiss the news.
Some PDP members at the scenes also became agitated wondering why the accident should coincide with the birthday of the governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
Immediately the news of the sad incident broke out, guests at Democracy Park, Akure- venue of the lying-in-state- deserted the park, as they wore gloomy faces, while some sympathisers who came to grace the programme wailed and wept uncontrollablly on the ground, others gathered in groups to discuss the incident.
Among those who left the venue were former governor of the old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, former deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, members of the State House of Assembly and party leaders.
The program was called off immediately, as ushers, undertakers, musicians, engineers and others parked their instruments and vacated the venue.
The PDP in a statement by Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Fadaka described the incident as shocking and called for sober reflection.
Fadaka said “We received with absolute shock the news of the crash involving the corpse of Dr Olusegun Agagu and prominent citizens of the State.
“This development to say the least is incomprehensible and unprecedented in the annals of our history as a State.
“In view of the development, we appeal to our Party members and the people of Ondo State to remain calm as we believe that relevant agencies of Government will unearth the cause of this crash, we declare that any attempt to resort to violence will be negative.
“The Party hereby condole the families of those who died in the crash, may their souls rest in peace.”
The state government, through the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eni Akinsola expressed regret over the situation and said the government was still studying the situation.
Akinsola said “Ondo State Government received with shock the news of the crash of the plane bearing the corpse of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, as it was taking off from Lagos.
“A commissioner, family members, associates and other top government officials were also involved in the crash. Information available indicates that there were casualties and a few survivors of this unfortunate crash.
“We are however still expecting more information. No doubt, this is an unfortunate disaster in the life of our dear State.
“We can only pray that God will visit the State with mercy and give us all the strength to bear these unfortunate losses. We ask all residents to be in a sober and prayerful mood at these trying times as God is indeed the only person we should call upon in this period.
“Government assures that further and better information will be released as soon as they are available.”
