AKURE — Chief Erastus Akeju, a prominent statesman and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum in Ondo State, has passed away at the age of 88 following a brief illness.
His death was confirmed on Saturday by the forum’s facilitator, Chief Demola Ijabiyi.
Akeju leaves behind a long record of public service. He previously served as the Chairman of Akoko North-West Local Government Area and later as the Commissioner for Works under the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati. Most recently, he played a key role in mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North, led tributes to the late leader, describing him as a man of "exceptional character" whose tenure as Commissioner and Council Chairman set a benchmark for grassroots development and responsive governance.
"His passing is a significant loss not only to the Akeju family but to the people of Ondo North and the entire state," Ipinsagba stated.
Chief Ijabiyi echoed these sentiments, noting that Akeju served as a vital "voice of moderation and unity" within the state’s political community. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
