The South West and Oyo state Chairman, National Union of Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, popularly known as ‘Fele’ is dead.

Oyerinde had been managing an undisclosed ailment for sometimes now, and last appeared in public six weeks ago when he held the state executive meeting of the union at their new office in Ojoo, Ibadan.

His death was made public on Tuesday through a press statement released and signed by the national president of the union, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin.

Yasin also made a phone call to a Yoruba programme on Petals 102.3 FM on Tuesday evening that Oyerinde died at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, No. 5 Atom Kpera Close & Off, Joseph Gomwalk Street, Gudu, Abuja.

The National chairman further hinted that his remains, were on transit en route Ibadan while his remains will be committed to mother earth on Wednesday, at his Elebu house, between 9.00-10.00am.

Yasin’s announcement where he eulogized the deceased as a man of peace threw the state chapter of the union into a state of mourning.

Immediately the news about his death filtered into town, the situation around his house changed immediately as Eid-al-adha celebration in his house ended abruptly.

All tents and chairs in use were hurriedly packed as the atmosphere turned sober as family members were all looking helplessly at the current situation.

Yasin who made a telephone call through to the programme said he was in Saudi Arabia, and was on his way to Nigeria for the burial.

He said “I am making an announcement that one of us, a prominent member of NURTW, South West and chairman of Oyo state chapter, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, popularly known as Fele died this afternoon at Zenith kidney hospital, Abuja.

“Since then (Oyerinde’s death was confirmed), we have made arrangements to bring his remains to Ibadan, by the grace of Almighty Allah, his remains will arrive Ibadan tomorrow (Wednesday) morning and he will be buried between 9.00-10.00am in his house at Elebu, Ibadan.”

“As I am speaking now, I am currently in Saudi Arabia, and was the first person to call when the incident happened.”

The national chairman then prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to comfort his wife, children and family.

On succession plan to fill the vacuum created by his death, Yasin said the deputy chairman of the chapter, Alhaji Abideen Olajide popularly known as Ejiogbe to step in in acting capacity according to the constitution of the union.

“Now, for his death, according to the constitution of our union, we have accepted the appointment of Alhaji Abideen Olajide, popularly known as ‘Ejiogbe’ who is the deputy chairman as of the time of this incident in Oyo state to act as chairman for now.

“We enjoined members to support and work with him.”

Born precisely on October 1, 1960, Taofeek Oyerinde, who said he became a commercial driver in 1978, and succeeded Alhaji Lateef Salako fondly called Eleweomo who was murdered in a political party congress in Ibadan in December 2010.

•Sourced from a Tribune report

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