Foremost technocrat, boardroom Czar and icon of integrity, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode passed on on Tuesday at the age of 82.
It was gathered that Mr. Onosode died Tuesday morning at Gold Cross Hospital, Ikoyi Lagos at about 8:15 am after a protracted illness. Onosode was flown home yesterday from London where he had been receiving medical attention.
Nigerians from all walks of life have been paying tribute to the life and times of Delta State born statesman who was fondly admired and addressed by the Nigerian media as “Mr. Integrity.”
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku described the late Gamaliel Onosode as a true symbol of integrity, an outstanding patriot and an icon of the best of Nigeria’s national values.
“An iroko in the corporate world has fallen,’’ he said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
On his part, former presidential candidate and publisher of Ovation International, Bashorun Dele Momodu described the late Pa Onosode as “one of our greatest icons”.
Former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana and one time Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro said “Onosode was one of God’s finest gifts to our country Nigeria. He lived a life of absolute honour and integrity. In Gamaliel Onosode we saw the full manifestation of an impeccable character! May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
In his words, Ohimai Godwin Amaize, a young protege and mentee of Pa Onosode tweeted on Tuesday; “He was a man of impeccable purity and character inwardly and outwardly. Such men never die. #RIPBigDaddyOnosode.”
Another protege of Onosode, the President of Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI), Mr. Linus Okorie expressed shock over Pa Onosode’s demise. “I am still in shock. I can’t believe he is dead”, Okorie told BREAKING TIMES on Tuesday.
A statement by Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed that “the PDP is deeply saddened by the loss of this great Nigerian, a highly respected statesman and organized corporate administrator who made immense contributions towards the economic and political development of our dear nation.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Onosode family as we pray God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
