One of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, is dead.
He was aged 61 years old at the time of his death.
Until his death, Akintelure had raised worries about both direct and indirect threats to his life.
He had expressed hope that the situation would improve over time.
Akintelure, on Thursday, March 21, 2023, said, “Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life.
“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.
“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our standing together as one, regardless of our differences.”
Recall Akintelure ran as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Rotimi Akeredolu (the incumbent Ondo State governor) against Olusegun Mimiko, the then Labour Party flagbearer, who won the election.
Earlier, he had contested the senatorial election against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, but he was defeated.
He was a medical doctor and hailed from Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This development comes as the build-up to the Ondo governorship election gathers momentum.
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed sadness on the death of Dr Paul Akintelure, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state.
Akintelure’s death was announced by the family spokesperson, Mr Oladapo Akintelure, in a statement on Tuesday in Akure.
The statement, titled “Akintelure takes a bow”, said Akintelure who died at the age of 61, was a medical doctor, philanthropist, an APC aspirant, and the Ondo State deputy governorship candidate of the defunct ACN in 2012.
“Dr Paul Akintelure departed from us early this morning in Lagos, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Ondo State.
“As a family, we understand his sudden enigmatic demise has left a void in our hearts, and that of his friends, associates, supporters, and political loyalists.
“It is in light of this, we seek calm and, most importantly, your prayers, as we jointly pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Paul Akintelure,” the statement said.
Aiyedatiwa, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, described the death of Akintelure as shocking and devastating.
The governor commiserated with the Akintelure family, the people of Okitipupa Local Government Area, and “the progressive fold in Ondo State”.
“Akintelure was a wonderful human being and was a core progressive. He was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in Ondo State and Nigeria.
“He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many.
“We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed,” the governor said.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the death of Akintelure at this critical time in the life of the state is saddening.
Another APC governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke, described Akintelure’s passing as “a further depletion of the clan of the finest in the politics of the country”.
Oke, in a statement he personally signed, said Akintelure enriched politics with dignity and decency.
“It is my prayer that the departed shall find repose in the bosom of the Lord Almighty.
“May God give all members of his immediate family, friends and political associates the fortitude to handle the great loss,” he said.
