PDP’s public secretary in Kwara state dies after birthday celebration

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP)Publicity Secretary in Kwara State, Tunde Ashaolu, has been confirmed dead a few hours after celebrating his birthday.

Late Ashaolu celebrated his birthday on Friday, February 25, and was hosted by his friends and party members including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, to a get-together on Saturday, February 26. By Sunday, February 27, at about 7.30pm, Ashaolu took ill and was pronounced dead by doctors.

A friend wrote on facebook, ”My brother, friend, professional colleague and politician. Our friendship abruptly ends.

“Olatunde was one of the young lads that l forged childhood friendship with as sophomores in my Alma mater, Cherubim & Seraphim College in Ilorin. Others included Abdulkadir Abiodun Baraje, scion of the Alhaji Kawu Baraje, a former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party [PDP], Saheed Olawale Adebayo aka Omo Oga Bello, also the scion of the Adebayo Salami dynasty of llorin. Olawale was the older brother of Femi Adebayo, the lawyer turned thespian who was also in the boarding house with us.”

Until his death, Tunde was the State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party [PDP] in Kwara State. Below are images from the birthday dinner hosted by His Excellency, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki at Abuja on Saturday in honour of Hon. Akintoba Fatigun at 50 and his birthday mate, Hon. Tunde Ashaolu, the State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara State.

Another friend, Henry Shield, wrote

”My friend, my brother, my confidant and my ally, Ashaolu Tunde, how could you bid us farewell in this manner? How could you leave without a word? How? You were among the best of men, gentle, coordinated, calm and unassuming. You wore life and shared yourself with all. How could I wish you a happy birthday on Saturday and you chose to leave on Sunday? Who does that? Your death has hurt me deeper than words can express. I wish I can pour out my heart here but I can’t. You were my friend and a true one at that. Pls Rest In Peace and know that you’ll never be forgotten. Adieu my good friend and brother.”