JUST IN; Senator mourns as Nigeria’s former Minister reportedly dies
Former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has expressed sadness over the demise of a former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye.
Soleye, who just marked his 90th birthday, died on Wednesday.
In a statement made available Tuesday the Senator said “It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passage of Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, a remarkable man whose unwavering dedication to acts of kindness and good deeds impacted greatly on a lot of people.”
Daniel testified that Soleye was “a great leader, a mentor and a man of impeccable principles who inspired countless individuals.
An alumnus of the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, the deceased was a former Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State and later as Minister for Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to Daniel, “Soleye distinguished himself as a prudent financial manager and acquitted himself as a first-class economic administrator in the application of Nigeria’s resources, adding that his commitment to a better Nigeria was unwavering.
He described death as a personal loss to him because he shared deep relationships with the deceased as a younger friend and confidant.
“I benefited immensely from his unconditional support during trying times.
“My deepest condolences to members of his family; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Matemilola; His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, GCFR, former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (who is also Dr. Soleye’s bosson friend); sons and Daughters of Owu Kingdom and Egbaland in general at this painful and trying times as I am consoled by the legacy of good deeds and forthrightness that Dr. Soleye left behind,” the statement concluded.
