Dimeji Bankole loses daughter

Former speaker of the federal house of representatives, Dimeji Bankole, has lost his daughter, Yewande.

The seven-year-old died of sickle cell anemia at an undisclosed hospital in London on Wednesday.

The deceased was transferred to London when a Lagos hospital admitted that her condition had worsened beyond its capabilities.

Announcing the tragic news, the family expressed appreciation to those who rendered one form of support or the other to the child during her life.

The family further disclosed that she will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

“With gratitude to Almighty Allah and with heavy hearts, we announce the demise of our daughter Yewande Semiat Bankole aged seven years at a London hospital,” read the staement.

“Yewande is the grand daughter of Chief Alani Suara Bankole and the daughter of Rt Hon. Dimeji Sabur Bankole. She was born with HbSS sickle cell disease. She was a radiant girl who struggled with the disease.

“We originally managed her condition at a Lagos hospital but later transferred to a London hospital. Sadly we lost her at 10.30pm on Wednesday October 1, 2014.

“Her remains will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites. We wish to thank you for your prayers and support at this very trying time. May almighty Allah make our affairs easy.”

Bankole recently became active in the political space again, as he was hardly seen in political gatherings after losing the bid to return to the lower legislative chamber in 2011.

Shortly after he left office, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed some corruption charges against him but he has since been cleared of the charges.

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former  speaker presided over the primary election of the party for the gubernatorial by-election scheduled for October 11 in Adamawa state.