A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday as confirmed by the APC spokesperson in the state, Alex Kalejaye.
Akintelure’s demise came days after the medical doctor turned politician raised alarm about threats to his life.
“Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life,” his spokesman Oladapo Akintelure said in a March 21 statement.
“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.
“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”
The late Akintelure had in 2012 ran as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Before then, he contested for the Ondo South senatorial election also under the ACN.
He was a Lagos-based private medical practitioner who hailed from Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
His Death Not Ordinary,’ Says Brother Of Late Ondo APC Guber Aspirant
Facts emerged on Tuesday over the passing of Dr Paul Akintelure, one of the prominent governorship aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state.
This is just as the deceased’s younger brother, Mr Oladapo Akintelure, said his death was not natural.
Akintelure, a medical doctor, jostling for the governorship ticket of the APC, was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday.
Daily Trust gathered that the APC governorship aspirant gave up in Lagos after he had initially raised the alarm over a “serious threat” to his life.
Last Thursday, Akintelure alleged that there was a threat to his life ahead of the APC governorship primary fixed for April 25.
Though he did not give details of the threat, he noted he was compelled to voice out and address the matter with “grave concern and a heavy heart.”
Speaking to the press, Mr Oladapo Akintelure, the younger brother of the deceased, said the Ondo politician had been complaining of several illnesses before he finally passed on.
He explained that the deceased was admitted to a hospital after being advised to take an urgent break from his campaign to face his health.
“For the past 12 or 14 days, he had been complaining of several sudden illnesses ranging from headaches to back and chest pains.
“He was admitted at a time and had to take a break off campaign to attend to his health. At a time, we were worried and advised him to rest and we moved him to Lagos,” the younger brother said.
However, Oladapo said he believed the sudden death of his brother was not natural, describing the sad development as unfortunate.
“As a family member, I would not want to say much for now because it is still a shocking moment for us. This is not ordinary but, unfortunately, we lost him at this critical time.”
Akintelure died at age 61.
Earlier, in a statement sent to reporters in Akure, the family members said they were griefed by his death.
They explained that Dr Akintelure was a visionary leader who believed in the potential of the state and had been advocating for positive change.
“As a family, we understand his sudden enigmatic demise has left a void in our hearts, that of his friends, associates, supporters, and political loyalists.
“It is in light of this we seek calm and, most importantly, your prayers, as we jointly pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Paul Akintelure.
“DPA’s passion for public service and his unwavering determination to make a difference will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all to strive for a better tomorrow,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described as “shocking and devastating” the death of the APC governorship aspirant.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, commiserated with Dr Akintelure’s family, the people of Okitipupa LGA and the progressive fold in the state.
He said, “Akintelure was a wonderful human being and was a core progressive. 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.”
Aiyedatiwa added that the death of Dr Akintelure at this critical time in the life of the state was saddening and prayed for the repose of his soul.
