Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lost his eldest brother, Sunday Makinde, to the cold hands of death at the age of 65 years. He died on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Announcing the passing in a message, a brother of the deceased, who is also the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland and Head of Aigbofa Family of Oja’ba, Ibadan, Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, wrote: “With a heavy heart, I announce the passage of my older brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, to eternal glory today, Friday, January 24, 2025. His sudden death occurred in his Ibadan residence at 3.20am. “He is survived by siblings, among whom is the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, children and grandchildren.”

A delegation of the Oyo State government led by the Deputy Governor, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, visited the family of the deceased. The delegation, which included the wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, commissioners and other political functionaries, visited on Friday.

The deputy governor stated that the death struck everyone hard, noting that it was a great loss. He condoled with the immediate family of the deceased as well as the entire Makinde family.

The deputy governor described the deceased as an ebullient personality, who carried on admirably as the oldest sibling of the governor. Also speaking, Ladoja said the death was a great shock, saying: “It was a great shock to me. When I received the news of his death this morning, I was surprised and said it couldn’t be true. Those who saw him on Thursday said he was very okay.

“He was a very easy-going person. His wife died close to a year ago. But let us take it as the will of God. There is nothing one can do when the time comes. God can call us home anytime.”

Also, Sharafadeen Alli, the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, on Friday, expressed heartfelt condolences to the governor and the entire Makinde family on the passing of the deceased.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, Alli described the deceased as a humble and accomplished individual who contributed significantly to his family and society. He noted that the death of a loved one, especially a sibling, is always a painful experience, adding that the late Makinde’s legacy of hard work and commitment to humanity will forever be remembered.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, his family, and everyone mourning Engr. Sunday Makinde. May the Almighty grant the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant the departed eternal rest,” Alli said.

Similarly, Member of the House of Representatives for Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, has expressed his condolences to the governor on the sudden death of his elder brother.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Hameed Mustapha Ramadan, Alabi conveyed his deep sympathies to Makinde and the entire Makinde family, acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one.

“It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of Engr. Sunday Makinde. Losing an elder brother is a deeply painful experience, and my thoughts and prayers are with Governor Seyi Makinde, the Makinde family, the indigenes, and residents of Oyo State by this loss,” Alabi said. He prayed for God’s comfort and strength for Makinde and his family during this difficult time, asking that the soul of the departed rest in perfect peace.