On Thursday, June 27, 2024, kakalistiq.com reports that Epe witnessed an outpouring of tributes as dignitaries, friends, and family gathered to honour the late Alhaja Ramota Bankole, former State Welfare Secretary of the APC. Her passing on June 20, 2024, during the Hajj pilgrimage, has left an indelible mark on the community she served so diligently.
In an emotional interview, Rep. Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency, reflected on his 40-year association with Alhaja Bankole. He expressed profound grief at her loss, highlighting her significant contributions to his developmental projects. “Her death is a great loss; it is a vacuum that we will find very difficult to fill because she was a very staunch and honest member of my think-tank. We are going to miss her a lot. She was a very good supporter, an honest one for that matter, and a good adviser. She was always very frank with her advice whenever the need arose,” Raji stated.
Lagos State Party Secretary, Hon. Adeola Jokomba, conveyed the collective sorrow of the party, acknowledging the profound impact of her death. “Her death is a stunning one that pained the party because she was a dedicated and committed member. Her good deeds earned her a return to Allah in the Holy Land of Mecca. On behalf of the state Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and our GAC Leader. We pray Almighty God rests her soul,” Jokomba said.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing the Lagos State House of Assembly members, praised Alhaja Bankole’s tireless service and empathy for the people’s suffering. “She served effortlessly in the state, always sharing the people’s pains. We thank God she spent her life well and passed away in the Holy Land, free from sin. We extend our condolences to her family,” Tobun remarked.
Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, Lagos State House of Assembly Lawmaker for Epe Constituency II, lauded her as a devout Muslim and dedicated party member whose contributions were unparalleled. “She inspired many women in politics and governance as a Comrade with NULGE. We take solace in the cherished memories she left behind and the fact that she passed away in the Holy Land during a pilgrimage. She will be greatly missed,” Ogunkelu said.
Epe Local Government Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun, paid a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing Alhaja Bankole’s forgiving spirit and unwavering loyalty. “She had a forgiving spirit and always let go of everything for peace to reign. She was such a wonderful person, ready to follow you everywhere, especially when she loved you. I will pray for her to rest in peace,” Animashaun said.
Princess Dr. Folashade Oba, Vice Chairman of Ikorodu LG, remembered her as a maternal figure and dedicated mentor. “She is a mother, a big sister, and a real lover of the people. Alhaja never loved to see people sad. On a personal note, I will miss her. We were both under the tutelage of Late Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson and she exhibited that mentorship. In terms of welfare, she went out of her way to care for others,” Oba shared.
The deceased’s son, Bankole Oladapo, spoke lovingly of his mother. “She was a woman who walked with elegance. She remained resolute and undaunted in the face of adversaries. She was a mother whose home was open to all, welcoming everyone. She lived a good life and submitted to the will of God,” Oladapo said.
Engineer Olakunle Sikiru, speaking on behalf of the estate residents, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the community’s loss. Hon. Saliu Adeniyi, Akogun Wale Raji-Anomo, Hon. Monsuru Akinloye, Mr. Azeez Ismail, Comrade Afolabi Ajose, and Barrister Bola Balogun were among those who paid their respects, each highlighting the profound loss felt by all who knew her.
The event served as a solemn reminder of the impact Alhaja Ramota Bankole had on her community, her party, and the many lives she touched. Her legacy of service, dedication, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
