Ex- Ekiti PDP Chairman Is Dead

A former chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Gboyega Oguntuase has been confirmed dead.

Oguntuase, a former commissioner for Information in the state was said to have

died on Thursday after a brief illness.

A former Presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu confirmed the demise of the lawyer turned politician.

Ojudu who recalled the exploits of the late politician popularly called 'Georgie' during their days at the University of Ife between 1980 and 1984 and the early days in Ado-Ekiti, described him as a cheerful man, "who was as visible in the political space as he was in social circle.

The renowned journalist in a statement on Friday said, " No one who was a student at the University of Ife between 1980 and 1984 can honestly claim not to have known him. 

“He was as visible in the political space as he was in social circles. Adegboyega Oguntuase, fondly known as Georgie, was a cheerful and memorable presence on campus.

" We both grew up in Ado-Ekiti, where his father was a renowned lawyer and his mother a respected nurse. In 1983, Georgie contested for the presidency of the Students' Union and, for a long while,

“ He was the clear favourite. I served as his campaign manager and worked diligently on his behalf. Popular with the men and even more admired by the women, he seemed headed for an easy victory until a speech night, when his attempt to anglicise his Yoruba name was poorly received by the student body.

" That single moment turned the tide, and he lost the election to Chris Fajemifo, who later became a broadcaster and is now also late.

" Georgie first studied History and later proceeded to Ibadan to study Law. He worked briefly with The Tribune, served as Commissioner for Information under

Governor Ayo Fayose, and later became Chairman of the PDP in Ekiti State.

“ From our early days as young men, he remained my friend.

" It therefore came as a great shock when a mutual friend from our Ife days, the former Director-General of the Governors' Forum, Mr. A.B. Okauru, called to inform me of his passing. 

I later called his number and it was answered by his younger brother, Dipo, who confirmed that Georgie had passed on to eternity yesterday after a brief illness.

" My prayers go to his wife, Bisi, their children, and to his siblings Yomi, lyabo and Dipo. Only God can console you all at this very difficult moment. He stated.