Ondo Declares Seven-Day Mourning For Late Commissioner

Following the reported and confirmed case of coronavirus in Lagos State, the Ondo State Commissioner of Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, on Saturday said the state’s emergency medical response team has been activated.

The Ondo State Government has directed all flags in the state to fly at half mast for seven days to mourn the late Wahab Adegbenro, the state’s commissioner for health who died on Thursday.

The state government announced this in a statement on Thursday in Akure by Donald Ojogo, the state commissioner for information.

Mr Adegbenro, aged 65, reportedly died at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

Mr Ojogo also said that the state government has declared Friday, July 3, a work-free day in memory of Adegbenro.

“With a deep sense of sadness, Ondo State wishes to announce the demise of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro.

“Until his death, Adegbenro, a two-time health commissioner in the state, equally doubled as Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee Against COVID-19,” he said.

Mr Ojogo explained that Adegbenro was in the forefront of the state’s battles against COVID-19 pandemic before his demise.

“Not only did he signpost commitment and diligence, he, indeed, was immeasurable in his inspiration clearly defining himself as an embodiment of selflessness, hardwork and inexorable professionalism.

“To say the least, Dr Adegbenro was our general, and died healing others.

“Having served humanity with the attendant kindness, he played his part honourably.

“The least we can do for this medical hero is to plant a seed of honour for him,” he said.

Meanwhile, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a source at the Ondo government house.

The source said the state’s first lady has gone on self-isolation.

The development comes days after the governor announced that he had contracted the disease.

The source added that Oluwatoyin Adegbenro, wife of the late commissioner for health, has also tested positive for COVID-19.

She is said to be receiving treatment at the hospital of her late husband in Akure, the state capital.