Bamigboye, first military governor of Kwara, dies at 78

The first military governor of Kwara State, Brig-Gen. David Bamigboye (rtd), is dead.

The younger brother to the deceased, Col. Theophilus Bamigboye (rtd), who confirmed the death, said the late military governor died yesterday during a brief illness in Lagos.

Born on December 7, 1940, Bamigboye was the military governor of Kwara between May 1967 and July 1975 and established the Kwara State Polytechnic in 1972.

In his reaction, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said he received the news of
Bamigboye’s death with rude shock, describing it as a colossal loss to the entire state.

Ahmed, while condoling with the family of the late former military governor and the entire Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Council over his death, said: “The vacuum left by the demise of the former governor, particularly at
this transition period, will be difficult to fill, considering his advice and wisdom.”

The statement described the deceased as an embodiment of humility and fear of God, saying the government and the entire Kwarans would miss him for his selfless service to the state.

It added that Bamigboye would remain evergreen in the history of the state for his laudable achievements as the first governor and for laying a solid foundation for the growth and development of the state.

Ahmed prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family, Omu-Aran community, government and entire Kwarans the fortitude to bear the loss.

Meanwhie, President Buhari has extended condolences to the Bamigboye family on the death of Bamigboye, the first military governor of Kwara State.

President Buhari, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu yesterday, said as a military officer, community leader and elder statesman, Bamigboye, who was well respected for his versatility and leadership, will be long remembered for his service to the nation in a variety of roles. Buhari also paid tribute to his enduring commitment to the development of Kwara state during his tenure, particularly his far reaching roles in helping to lay the foundation for an effective education system and civil service in the state. He prayed that God comforts his family, friends and associates in this period of grief and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Senate president, Bukola Saraki also expressed sadness over Bamigboye’s death, describing the deceased as a torch-bearer who laid a solid foundation for the development of Kwara. Describing his death as a colossal loss, he said he would be dearly missed.