The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has condoned with  the family of the late Chief Ibidapo Awojolu, on the passing of the frontline leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and State Chairman of Afenifere on Monday.

Fayemi said the death of  Chief Awojolu came to him as a rude shock, because the late politician did not show any sign of ill health during their last meeting.

The Minister, in a condolence message signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the late Awojolu as a very descent  politician, respected party leader, who served the party, the state and the Yoruba race passionately.

Recalling his working relationship with the late Awojolu  when he served as  chairman of the board of Ekiti State Community and Social Development Agency (EKSCDA), Fayemi said Chief Awojolu proved himself as a distinguished Nigerian, an honourable Ekiti man and a seasoned administrator whose word was his bond.

“He was a man of conscience, character and courage, who played politics of conviction and whose public service was meritorious”, Fayemi said.

He said further: “We cannot forget Chief Awojolu’s laudable contributions to community development as chairman of  EKSCDA. He also left his footprints in Afenifere and our dear party, APC as its board of trustees (BOT) member from Ekiti State.

“There is no doubt, Chief Awojolu’s death has robbed the party, indeed  Ekiti State and Nigeria of a distinguished citizen, a patriot who served well. Coming closely on the heels of the demise of another distinguished leader of our party, Senator J.O. Kolawole, Dr Fayemi prayed God to grant their nuclear and larger families the fortitude to bear the loss.