Akeem Lasisi
The death of Chief Harry Akande, early Saturday, December 5, has further painted this year for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as one of a death too many.
Akande passed on at 77 after a brief illness, reminding stakeholders in the city of some other prominent indigenes who had died this year.
Among such were the former Parakoyi of Ibadan, Chief Bode Akindele; Chairman, University Press Plc, Dr Lekan Are; and legal luminary, Chief Richard Akinjide.
Dr Are Oyebola also died this year.
Akande was a thoroughbred businessman who later forayed into politics.
His death was announced in a statement on Saturday by Olumide Akande, who described the death of the businessman as a huge shock to the family.
The statement read, “Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, Agba Oye of Ibadanland (March 3, 1943-December 5, 2020)
“In the early hours of Saturday, December 5, 2020, our patriarch Chief Harry Ayodele Akande passed away following a brief illness.
“Chief Harry Akande was an astute businessman of international repute whose legacy and influence cut across continents.
“But by far his greatest passion was for a better Nigeria that guaranteed equity and justice for all. It is our fervent hope that this will be a reality in the not too distant future.
“His passing is a huge shock to his immediate and extended family, friends, and associates. We are all grappling to make some sense of it.
“As we seek the repose of his gentle soul, we ask you to in turn to uphold us in your prayers while we pass through this very turbulent period of our lives occasioned by the loss of someone as dear as him.”
Incidentally, it was only last Saturday that the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes celebrated some icons from the city, the same week it marked the 200th anniversary of the third Ibadan.
Among such were Governor Seyi Makinde, the Vice Chancellor of the First Technical University, Ibadan, Prof. Ayobami Salami; and the Managing Director of First Bank, Dr Adesola Adeduntan.
