Elders of the All Progressive Congress under the auspices of the Aborigines in Ondo state, have asked the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to investigate the death of one of the party’s governorship aspirant, Dr Paul Akintelure.
Late Akintelure who died in Lagos, had last week raised the alarm over threat to his life.
Speaking in Akure, the state capital, the spokesperson of the elders, Ambassador Sola lji, expressed sadness over the death of the medical doctor.
Akintelure had through his spokesperson, Oladapo, alleged that “there had been both direct and indirect attempts on his life.
Oladapo expressed concern that the situation had worsened as the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for next month approaches.
He however said that the threat had been reported to the relevant security agencies and has received intelligence reports and recommendations.
But Ambassador lji, said that the meeting of the elders which was meant to adopt the final report of the resolution of the group saddled with the responsibility to screen the governorship aspirants had to stepped down following the sudden death of the aspirant.
Akintelure’s name, according to lji ” is amongst the three governorship aspirants shortlisted by the committee
Those shortlisted incude Aiyedatiwa, Akinterinwa and the late Akintelure.
The elders were to adopt one of the three screened aspirants by the nine-member committee which submitted its report last weeks.
Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador lji said that ” the meeting was meant to receive and adopt the final report of the resolution of the group in supporting one of the aspirants.
“We were shocked when we learnt of the death of Dr. Paul Akintelure.
Iji said ” We have to suspend our meeting to seize the opportunity to mourn his demise.
“He has contributed to the development of the party. He was a simple man. A few days back he spoke out about threat to his life.
“If he so express that threat, even though we do not know the details, we call on the governor unravel whatever mystery surrounding his death.
“It is part of responsibility of government to protect lives and property. We have adjourned till another date to discuss the recommendation of the committee.
Iji said that the late Akintelure “was one of those recommended by the Committee. Chances are he could have been the preferred aspirant.
Also, speaking a former Senator Ajayi Boroffice and a former commissioner in Osun state, Hon Bola ilori, described the death of the politician as shocking and sad.
They described the late politician as a core progressive, adding that he was very consistent and loyal to the tenets of progressive politics in Ondo State and Nigeria.
“He was a friend and associate. He conducted his private business and public affairs with so much decorum and humility to the admiration of many.
“We have lost a complete gentleman. He will be greatly missed”.