‘He was a progressive leader’ — Oyinlola mourns Ogundimu, former Lagos commissioner

Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun state, has commiserated with the family of the late Olusegun Ogundimu, a former commissioner of Lagos.

Ogundimu died on July 23 after a brief illness; he was aged 71.

In a condolence message to the family on Monday, Oyinlola described the deceased as a patriot.

“I became acquainted with Dr. Olusegun Ogundimu when I was Military Administrator of Lagos State from 1993 to 1996. He was my commissioner for health during that period. Dr. Ogundimu served Lagos conscientiously and with uncommon dedication,” Oyinlola said.

“Together, we initiated health policies and executed programmes and projects in Lagos which have endured the corrosion of time and politics. He was a patriot. He was also my friend and brother.

“Life is about service to God and humanity. From the way he lived, this appeared to be the motto of Ogundimu’s life. His death has robbed Lagos and, indeed, Nigeria a leader with progressive ideas. The medical profession has lost an icon and a voice in critical circles. Our circle of friends has also lost a valuable member. We all miss this great man who had no enemy.”

Oyinlola prayed to God to grant Ogundimu’s family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear his loss.

In a related development, Damilola, the deceased’s son, said the funeral ceremony of Ogundimu will begin on August 11, with a Christian wake keep/service of songs, at Darlington hall, plot CDE industrial crescent, off town planning way, Ilupeju, Lagos.

He added that the burial service will hold on August 12 at All Saints Anglican Church, Montgomery road, Yaba, Lagos.

In 1992, Ogundimu was appointed as the chairman of the Lagos State Water Corporation.

He served as commissioner for transport in Lagos from February 1994 till March 1995, and later as commissioner for health in the state from March 1995 till August 1996.