By Kayode Ajulo

It is with rude shock that I received the news of the demise of one of the great iconic and veteran pragmatic political stalwarts in the history of Nigerian democracy, in the early hours of this morning.

Evangelist Bamidele Isola Olumilua in his days stood vehemently for the enthronement of rule of law and democracy. As a Governor of the old Ondo and Ekiti State between 1992 and 1993 during Nigerian Third Republic, Baba Olumilua ensured accountability and transparency prevailed in his government.

He was an ardent believer in the collective aspiration and party supremacy, which he demonstrated when despite not being in support of M K O Abiola’s presidency, he stood by Chief Abiola, when he emerged as the SDP presidential flag bearer. Baba Olumilua defended the outcome of June 12 debacles with all his energy.

My close contact with him was during the time when one of the past administrations of Ekiti State proposed to relocate the Ekiti State College of Education from Ikere Ekiti. As a patriotic Ikere man, Baba engaged the instrumentality of law to served the wishes of his people and the institution heritage.

Baba Olumilua’s patriotism and indelible contributions to the South West and Nigeria at large will forever be etched in the sandstone of time. Baba dedicated his life to the service of humanity and his people. May his soul rest in perfect peace.