Popular politician and former Lagos Island Local Government Chairman and Commissioner of Sports, in Lagos State, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele has died in India following a protracted illness. He was aged 60.
Adeniji-Adele, a flamboyant politician during his days, according to his son, Hon, Sultan Adeniji Adele, who confirmed the death, disclosed that his father passed on at about 6:00am Nigerian time in an Indian hospital on Thursday.
According to Sultan Adeniji-Adele’s message: “Good morning every one, My dad, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele this morning passed on in India, may almighty Allah grant him Aljanah fidau. Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele.”
Adele, a Prince of Lagos ruling house, was a very prominent figure in the politics and sports administration in the state and Nigeria. He had played prominent roles in the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the Abacha days and also served as a deputy gubernatorial candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) before joining the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Family sources said his remains would soon be flown home for a befitting burial in accordance with Islamic rites. Prince Adeniji-Adele, is survived by wife, Tawakalitu and many children.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar described the death as a loss not only to Lagos State and his family, but also the pro-democracy community in the country.
In a tribute issued by his media office in Abuja the former Vice President noted that the late Adeniji-Adele would be remembered for his gallant role to free Nigeria from repressive military rule during the era of General Sani Abacha.
Atiku recalled that opposing military rule was the greatest risk anyone could take, but said he was impressed, Adeniji-Adele was not deterred by those risks.
“It is on record that he did not criticise military rule from a safe distance, but joined the determined and like-minded group of Nigerians who stood in the firing line to extricate democracy from the shackles of military dictatorship.”
According to Atiku, “Nigerians are today enjoying the fruits of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists like the late Adeniji-Adele who stood up to military despotism at a time one’s life would be snuffed out with impunity.