Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has described the death of Ijebu socialite, Chief Laide Oropo as a great loss to Ogun State and Ijebuland in general.

In his condolence message to the family of the deceased and made available to Freelanews, Otunba Daniel said the late Chief Laide Oropo, who served as chairman of the Ogun State Sports Commission under his administration played a part and contributed in no small measure to the success of his administration on sports development and youth empowerment.

“A great socialite and an Ijebu chief, Laide Oropo worked as the Chairman of the Ogun State Sports Commission under our administration between 2003 and 2011. He surely put in his best, contributed in no small measures to some of the achievements that we recorded in the area of using sports, not only for physical recreation but also as a means of generating employment for thousands of youth who otherwise would have roamed the streets,” Ogidi Omo said.

Laide Oropo, who ruled the social scene in the 1960s and 70s, reportedly died on Sunday evening Aug 1, 2021, at a private office located in Ogba Soye road along Abeokuta road, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State at the age of 79.

The late businessman, who was the toast of many musicians in the country and beyond, was in the class of Babs Animashaun, Bisi Ajala and Bode Osinusi, among others, who ruled the entertainment world with class.

The socialite was to celebrate his 80th birthday on November 6 and was reported to have been sick for a while, before death came calling.

According to reports, burial arrangements were ongoing by the family and he would be buried today, Monday, August 2, at his residence at Makatewo, along Oke-Owa in Ijebu Ode.

“My family and I share in your grief and we pray that God should grant the family he left behind the strength to bear the pain of this great loss.

“Once again, kindly accept my heartfelt consolation,” the Otunba Obalofin of Ijebuland wrote.

One of the popular songs which brought late Oropo to limelight was titled ‘Board Members”, which was released by popular Juju musician, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi.