Harry Akande, Ex-presidential Aspirant, Dies At 77

A former presidential aspirant on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, and international businessman, Chief Harry Ayoade Akande is dead.

Akande, who was the Agba Oye of Ibadanland was said to have died after a brief illness in the early hours of Saturday.

Born on March 3, 1943, Akande, who was reputed to be a billionaire clocked 77 years in March this year.

Akande was said to be a one time Chairman, Board of Trustees of the All Nigeria Peoples Party during his lifetime.

Akande’s death was announced in a statement on Saturday by a family member, Olumide Akande.

He described the death of the businessman as a huge shock to the family while asking friends and well wishers to uphold the family in their prayers as they mourn Akande’s passage.

The statement read: “Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, Agba Oye of Ibadanland (March 3, 1943-December 5, 2020)

“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 iassociates. 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.”