Ex-presidential aspirant, Harry Akande, dies at 77

A former presidential aspirant of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Harry Akande, has died at the age of 77.

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

A relative of the deceased, Mr Olumide announced the passing of the Ibadan-born millionaire, describing his passing as a huge shock to his family, friends and associates.

Part of the statement read, “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.”

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 passed on this morning… Rest in Peace Sir…”

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