Former Ondo State Military Governor, Brigadier-General SundayTuoyo, is dead
By Collins Mbakwe
The former military Governor of Ondo State, Brigadier-General Sunday Esi Tuoyo, is dead.
Tuoyo, who governed the South West state between 1978 and 1979 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, died at the age of 84.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by his media aide, Richard Olatunde, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state lamented the demise of the former Military Administrator.
Akeredolu said the late Tuoyo was one of the pillars of the state who nurtured the old Ondo state, comprising the present Ondo and Ekiti states, into sustainable development.
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He said Tuoyo’s demise has again marked the depletion of the generation of founding leaders of Ondo State, whose period in the state was remarkable and phenomenal.
Akeredolu described his death as a monumental loss for the country, having served the country meritoriously, with commitment and unwavering desire for a better society.
The statement reads: “We received the news of the passing of Brigadier-General Tuoyo with grief and sadness. On behalf of the good people of Ondo State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of our departed Elder Statesman. He was a national asset who made his mark in the service of his country.
“Late Brigadier-General Tuoyo served as Military Administrator of the old Ondo State from July 1978 to October 1979, during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Born in 1938, the retired Brigadier-General Tuoyo handed over the reins of governance to Pa Micheal Adekunle Ajasin, also of blessed memory, as Governor of old Ondo State.
“Undoubtedly, his displayed patriotism, as well as a personal commitment to the democratic process that led to the handing over the rein of power to the first democratically elected Governor in Old Ondo State, were fascinating. He gave his all, with passion and total commitment.
“We acknowledge his contributions to the development of Ondo State and the country at large. His principled stance and candour stood out as a gentlemanly officer who deployed his God-given wisdom for the country’s progress.
“Our consolation as he departed us remains his footprints on the democratic path, where he served as a veritable and supportive pillar.
“We pray God Almighty to grant the departed eternal rest and sustain the family he left behind.”
