Governor Seyi Makinde, of Oyo state validated the authenticity of this news through a press statement on Saturday.
The former presidential aspirant was 77.
Harry Àkàndé, who happens to be the Agba Oye of Ibadanland, was said to have met his ancestors shortly after a brief illness in the waking hours of Saturday.
Governor Seyi Makinde delineated late Chief Harry Àkàndé as a great loss to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
According to Makinde, Àkàndé’s fame as a businessman and his decision to enter into Nigerian political scene to drive and propel a difference was classic, further adding how his conduct gave courage to the new crops of businessmen, most of whom
have gone ahead to import some of Àkàndé’s attributes and are making worthy aspirations.
“The news of the death of the Agba Oye of Ibadanland and internationally renowned businessman, Chief Harry Akande, came to me as a shock,” Makinde said.
“His death meant another great loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria.
“Chief Harry Akande’s renown as an international businessman who tried to make inroads into Nigerian politics to make a greater impact on society remains classic.
“He was, indeed, one of the pathfinders for businessmen in politics, and his efforts in deepening democracy through participation in politics will go into the annals of history, especially his role in building formidable opposition politics.
“This is one death too many and we can only pray to God to halt these deaths and allow our elders to make more impact on humanity.
“We cannot question God but we can pray, and that is what we will continue to do. I pray that God will grant repose to Chief Akande’s soul and also sustain his immediate and extended families.
“Rest in peace, Agbaoye.”