By Joe
Okei-Odumakin
Oronto Douglas is one
Comrade that saying eternal bye to is a very difficult task for the highly
impactful life he led.
His death in the early
hours of April 9, 2015, has robbed the community of conscience in Nigeria of
one of its brightest stars whose total being was dedicated to the cause of
progress. Oronto was a true veteran
of many progressive battles which spanned across pro-democracy,
self-determination, the environment and social issues.
He distinguished himself in
all the platforms where he operated with his indelible imprints everywhere.
His clarity of thought was
unmistakable just as his courage was unparalleled. He was loyal to common
causes and ever present when duty calls.
All who have known in over
the years would testify to Oronto's sense of responsibility and steadfastness
and total dedication to whatever cause he believed in.
Even when he moved over to
the arena of politics where he served at both state and federal levels from 1999
till he died, his views about social justice, the environment and democratic
cause remained essentially intact. He never joined the rank of those who left
civil society and transformed into attack dogs against their erstwhile
colleagues.
He rather engaged his
constituency constructively while serving as a moderating influence on
government.
It is most unfortunate that
he did not enjoy the best of health in the last few years of his life on earth
even as he labored for a better world till he breathed the last,
We shall miss him and
remember him always where men and women are gathered seeking the betterment of
society and the conduct of human affairs.
My heart goes to his wife, children
and family at this point of his final rites of passage with the prayer that the
God who is the husband of the widow and father to the fatherless will keep his
household.
Adieu, Oronto!
May your vibrant soul rest
in perfect peace.
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin
President
Women Arise for Change Initiative
Women Arise for Change Initiative
Website: www.womenarise.org.ng,
www.campaign4democracy.org.
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