Buhari, Abiodun, Makinde, others mourn former Military Administrator, Olurin

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the governments and people of Ogun, Ekiti and Oyo states over the death of former military Governor and Administrator, Gen. Adetunji Olurin.

Olurin, who died in the early hours of yesterday, at the age of 76, was a military Governor in Oyo State, and later as Administrator in Ekiti State. He also was outstanding as ECOMOG Commander in Liberia.

In a condolence message yesterday, contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said Olurin served the country meritoriously in his career, extending support when he was called upon.

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who expressed shock over the death, described Olurin as a gallant military officer and astute administrator, adding that he died at a time the country and the state needed his security expertise in tackling various security challenges confronting the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, Abiodun, said the late General was an illustrious son of Ogun State, who put the state and Nigeria on the global map with his exploits when he served as the ECOMOG Commander in Liberia.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the death of the late former MILAD as painful. He condoled with the people of Oyo State over the demise of “one of the past administrators who shaped our great state.”

He said: “I learnt of the death of former Military Administrator of Oyo State, General ‘Tunji Idowu Olurin.“It is sunset for another great man and one of the first sets of leaders that providence gave to Oyo State at its earliest stage.

The Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Olurin’s death as a great loss to Nigeria, Ogun State, his home state and Ekiti, which he helped stabilised during the six-month emergency rule.

He described the late General as a selfless statesman, courageous soldier and an altruistic patriot, who served his country diligently while in active service and during his retirement.

The Governor pointed out that the deceased discharged his duties as the Sole Administrator of Ekiti State with a great measure of fairness and firmness and left some legacies he would be remembered for in the annals of history of the Land of Honour.

On his part, the former President of the Senate, David Mark, who expressed deep sorrow over the death of his colleague and course mate, described the deceased as a dependable, reliable and extra ordinary officer, who distinguished himself meritoriously in the service to man and country.

In a statement issued in Abuja, by its Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Mumeh, Mark said he has lost a brother and Comrade in arms.

He described General Olurin as one of the best and fertile minds produced by the Nigerian Army saying: “In all the commands and formations he served including Field Commander, Economic Community of West African Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Peace Keeping Force in Liberia between 1992 and 1993 and other foreign services, Olurin left a legacy of excellence.