Former presidential aspirant, Harry Akande dies at 77

Akande, business mogul and Agba Oye of Ibadanland, died on Saturday after a brief illness. He was aged 77.

Announcing his death in a statement, a relative of the deceased, Mr Olumide said the passing is a huge shock to his family, friends and associates.

The younger Akande wrote in a statement, “In the early hours of Saturday December 5, 2020, our patriarch Chief Harry Ayodele Akande passed away following a brief illness.

“Chief Harry Akande was an astute businessman of international repute whose legacy and influence cut across continents.

“But by far his greatest passion was for a better Nigeria that guaranteed equity and justice for all. It is our fervent hope that this will be a reality in the not too distant future.

“His passing is a huge shock to his immediate and extended family, friends and associates. We are all grappling to make some sense of it.

“As we seek the repose of his gentle soul, we ask you to in turn to uphold us in your prayers while we pass through this very turbulent period of our lives occasioned by the loss of someone as dear as him.”

Also confirming the dead, the Publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu in a message on his Twitter handle said “Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, one of Nigeria’s richest men of his generation has passed on this morning… Rest in Peace Sir…”

Akande was reputed to be one of the richest men in Nigeria. He was the chairman of Akande International Corporation (AIC) with interest in healthcare, engineering, building construction and power.

He was a one-time presidential aspirant on the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform.