…… describes him as extremely philanthropic
Former Managing Director and Chairman of Daily Times, Chief Tola Adeniyi, on Friday lamented the death of renowned businessman and publisher of the defunct Third Eye Newspapers, chief Akanni Aluko.
Late Akanni Aluko
He said the news of his passage was devastating and hard to believe, considering what the deceased stood for, while alive, particularly his role as a great philanthropist of all seasons.
Adeniyi, also the pioneer Editor-In-Chief of Nigerian Tribune, made this known in a statement Friday, while reacting to the death, saying Aluko’s death had robbed the country of a dogged fighter for justice and lover of the poor.
According to him, “Nigeria had just lost a great philanthropist, publisher, astute businessman and great patriot, with Akanni Aluko’s demise”.
He stated that the vacuum his death had created, would be difficult to fill.
” I feel a sense of personal loss in his departure. We chat virtually on daily basis. He was a very close friend of mine.
” High Chief Akanni Aluko was a dogged fighter for justice, equity and human rights.
” A philanthropist of highest class, Aluko could, if possible, give one of his eyes to the needy. He was a cheerful giver. Extremely compassionate and warm hearted”, Adeniyi said
Continuing, he said, ” the trio of Akanni Aluko, late Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin and late Alhaji Arisekola Alao were the shakers and movers of Ibadan metropolis in the mid-70s, up till each of them breathed the last air.
” Akanni Aluko will be terribly missed by all those whose paths crossed his, during his most impactful and colourful life.
” I am really short of words. The news of Aluko’s passing is most devastating
“We are consoled by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and Humanity”.
The statement prayed for the soul of the late publisher, to rest in peace and that may his wife and other family members find comfort in God
It is reported that the Ijesa-born publisher, was said to have died on Friday morning, at the University College Hospital Ibadan (UCH) following a protracted illness.