Tope Oke, Akure
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has declared three days fasting and prayers for the repose of the soul of the people that died in the Associated Airlines aircraft that was conveying the remains of late former governor of the state, Olusegun Agagu, to Akure for lying-in-state on Thursday.
In a state-wide broadcast monitored on broadcast stations, the governor said the fasting begins this morning.
The prayer, he said, was also meant to stop the tide of sad occurrences that have bedevilled the state in recent time.
The broadcast read “My dear people of Ondo State, It’s with heavy heart that I talk to you about the sad news of the Lagos plane crash.
“It has no doubt further thrown us into sadness. This is certainly a trying moment in the history of our beloved State.
“There sudden and untimely death is a colossal loss to us as a State and as a nation.
“We commiserate with the bereaved families over the sudden death of their loved ones, we want to assure them that they are not alone in this moment of grief and gloom.
“Consequently, we have declared 3 days prayer and fasting in the State commencing tomorrow 5th Oct.
“We ask our people of Ondo State to use the opportunity to pray and reflect on the sad realities of the death of the departed and also ask God for mercy and favour for our State
“We have also sent a high-power delegation to the bereaved families to convey our condolences
“We never bargained for this, yet all power and knowledge belongs to God as human wisdom and knowledge is foolishness before God.
“May the souls of our fallen brothers and sisters rest in perfect peace. We also pray for God’s protection and guidance of our people in the State and in the diaspora. Amen”
