Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dr. AbdulRauf Adekunle Adeniji, fondly known as “Kongo”, who was kidnapped and murdered by his captors in Abuja.
A condolence message signed by the former governor of Osun State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, described the late Adeniji as “a true progressive, an upright, loyal and committed party stalwart who served the APC and the people of Ife Central local government with unmatched dedication and sincerity.
Dr. Adeniji, until his death, was the director of administration at the APC national secretariat. A seasoned administrator, he held a PhD in Public Administration and had previously served with distinction as an Assistant Registrar at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. His transition into politics saw him elected as chairman of Ife Central Local Government, where he championed inclusive governance and earned the respect of constituents across political lines.
Oyetola recalled Adeniji’s years of service as a seasoned administrator and in the political landscape, highlighting his remarkable ability to blend humility with competence.
“This is a tragic and painful loss not only to his immediate family, but to our party, our state, and the nation at large,” the Minister said. “Dr. Adeniji was a brilliant mind, a bridge builder, and a grassroots mobiliser whose contributions to governance and party administration will never be forgotten. His death in such a cruel and unfortunate manner is heartbreaking.”
Oyetola offered heartfelt condolences to the Adeniji family, the APC community, and the people of Ife. He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Dr. Adeniji’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
