Somolu was yet again thrown into a mourning mood as former Somolu PDP chairmanship candidate, Otunba Adebowale Ogunade popularly known by his friends and admirer as ‘Big Debo’ was snatched by the cold hand of death in the early hour of Sunday 14th February 2021.
The Somolu political icon and one of the Directors of Central Hotel, Somolu was reported to have complained of body pain a few hours earlier and when it was becoming unbearable, he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was diagnosed with acute respiratory disease.
The medical personnel did all they could to put the situation under control but it was too late as ‘Big Debo’ was pronounced dead after few hours of admittance.
Incidentally, ‘Big Debo’ is from the Ogunade political dynasty whose father, Pa. Kehinde Ogunade was a former Federal councillor under Mushin District who had in no small measures contributed to the political landscape as well as socio-economic development of Somolu in its entirety right from the second republic.
Speaking to his political ally and Personal Assistant, Hon. Tolu Bamiro Coker described him as a kind, vibrant, shrewd business-minded, and intellectual political personality who was well acceptable even by the elders rather than his age group.
“Sincerely, the death of ‘Big Debo’ is a colossal loss to us as a brother and exemplary leader in the political arena. He’s a trusted brother that cares much about the people around him and will never look down on anyone be it young or old, the reason why he’s loved by everyone”.
“We’ll surely miss him while we pray for his repose soul to rest in perfect peace”. he stated.
Somolu big boy Debo Ogunade a.k.a ‘Big Debo’ rose from ranks and files to become the State Secretary of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1993 and later became the Personal Assistant to late Funsho Williams in 1996-1998.
He left Alliance for Democracy in 2001 alongside his political mentor, late Chief Funsho Williams to join People Democratic Party (PDP).
He returned back to Action Congress (AC) in 2006 where they were welcomed back into the party at Tafawa Balewa Square alongside his boss late Chief Funsho Williams, Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju, Hon. Enoch Ajibosho and the host of other decampees.
Ever since then, he has remained a committed politician and All Progressive Congress (APC) member to be reckoned with in and outside his domain.
For his contribution to the development of his hometown, Okun-Owa in Ogun State, he was bestowed with a traditional title as the Otunba Fiwagboye of Okun-Owa. A title that’s usually reserve for top elites in a town or community.
The easy-going and eloquent ‘Big Debo’ died at the age of 53 leaving behind wife, children, sister, brothers, and aged parents. He will surely be missed.
