On Tuesday, fresh details emerged regarding the passing of Dr. Paul Akintelure, a prominent governorship aspirant 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 our reporter, 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, 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 it is unfortunate that 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.
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.
