Lagos ex- commissioner, Adeniji-Adele dies in Indian hospital

Former Lagos State Sports Commissioner and Lagos Island local council Chairman, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, yesterday passed on at about 6a.m. Nigerian time in an Indian hospital. He was 60.

According to his son, Hon. Sultan Adeniji Adele, the late politician had gone for medical check-up after developing some complications.

Confirming his father’s death, Sultan wrote: “Good morning everyone, my dad, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele this morning passed on in India, may almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Fidau.

Adele, fondly called Papa, is a prince of Lagos and was very prominent in the politics and sports administration in the state. A pro-democracy campaigner, Adeniji-Adele’s struggle during the military regime of late dictator, Sani Abacha, led to his incarceration for months.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the death as a loss not only to Lagos State and his family, but also the pro-democracy community in the country.

In a tribute issued by his media office in Abuja yesterday, the former Vice President noted that the late Adeniji-Adele would be remembered for his gallant role to free Nigeria from repressive military rule during the era of General Sani Abacha.

He served as commissioner between 2007 and 2011 during the first tenure of former governor Babatunde Fashola. He also served as a deputy gubernatorial candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before pitching his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His remains according to family sources would soon be flown home for a befitting burial. He is survived by his wife, Tawakalitu, and children.