Kwara young millionaire, philanthropist, Larry dies in Lagos at 29

By Mumini AbdulKareem

A former House of Assembly candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Olanrewaju Abdulmajeed Oba is dead.

He reportedly died in his Lagos residence, Surulere in the earlier hours of Sunday after a brief illness.

His Janaza was held in Lagos while Solatul Ghaib (absentee funeral prayer) was also held for him in Alanamu by friends and sympathisers.

Oba popularly known as Larry by friends and admirers was also a former House of Representatives aspirants before he was given the ticket to contest for Ilorin North West constituency.

From Alanamu, the deceased was a successful international businessman and philanthropist of repute. Aged 29, Larry was survived by his parents and three siblings according to family sources.

The incident has thrown residents of the state into deep grief as top politicians from both the ruling party and opposition have commiserated with the family.

His Fidau will be held tomorrow in his family residence at Alanamu according to his campaign manager, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Abosioyoyan.

Efforts to get his siblings who are all based in Lagos were not successful on Sunday as their phones were switched-off.

Speaking on the incident, Abosioyoyan who described it as shocking added that it was big loss to the dynasty in entirety.

“We have lost a philanthropist who was very concerned about the wellbeing of his constituents and family members. During the lockdown and the last Ramadan, he never allowed the loss of the last election affected his gestures. He was loved by everybody irrespective of party and religious affiliations because of his character and simplicity despite his wealth. He was an easy going personality and was very humble. I pray Almighty Allah reposed his soul and grant him paradise”, he added.

Meanwhile, there has been a stream of tributes for him from politicians and traditional rulers in the state.

Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki in a condolence message by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulqadir Abdulganiyu, said he received the news of his death with a great deal of sadness and commiserated with his family.

Saraki said “Larry was a man of exceptional character who stood out as an ambassador for the younger generation and embodied the argument for greater inclusion of young people in governance and leadership. He would be greatly missed.

Saraki prayed Allah to forgive the sins of the deceased and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. He also asked Allah to strengthen his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.

Similarly, Saraki’s wife, Bar Toyin in message tilted “From God we all came, and to Him we will all return”, said “I am sad to learn today, that an energetic young follower, Alhaji Olanrewaju ‘Larry’ Oba has died in Lagos, after a brief illness. Larry was a public spirited, kind and generous community-minded young man, as a political aspirant from Alanamu, Ilorin North-West, Kwara State, in the 2019 elections. My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences are with his parents and family, and the entire Balogun Alanamu Community, as he is laid to rest. May he rest in peace, Amen”, she submitted.

The Kwara PDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2019 election, Hon Gbenga Makanjuola, has extolled the virtues of the late Abdulmajeed Oba Olanrewaju, who died at the early hour of Sunday in Lagos.

Makanjuola, who commiserated with the Olanrewaju family and the entire Peoples’ Democratic Party members in Kwara State over the incident said he was a distinguished humanitarian enthusiast and philanthropist.

In a statement, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the immediate past Senate President, described the news of Larry’s death as shocking and devastating.

Makanjuola noted that the soft-spoken Olanrewaju was a young man of great humility and ever bubbling with life and great ideas.

In his reaction, former House of Representative member, Hon Zakari Mohammed said his death was a colossal loss not only to his family and PDP but also to the entire state, particularly the youths.

“I heartily sympathize with the Olanrewaju family and the PDP over this sad incident. The deceased was a young man of vision who was ready to lead the teaming youths out of doldrums. With the spirit and capacity of “Yes, We Can!”, he noted.

Former APC gubernatorial aspirant, Saliu Mustapha and Comrade Musbaudeen Esinrogunjo among others also commiserated with the family.