Why do good people die so soon? These words have been ringing in my head ever since I heard you passed away. Why?
You were indeed a good Father, Brother, Mentor, Friend, Governor, Uncle, Grandfather.
I remember when I was a member of Peace and Reconciliation Committee sent to Oyo and Osun States, our first port of call was your house where you jokingly said that,
“a member of the Committee, Alhaji Mutiu Are is my family member and because I am from Are family from Oke Are, you can never support my opponents” and everyone started laughing.
You were indeed blessed with high sense of humour and with you, there is hardly any dull moment. You were such a good natured man and you remain an enigma till death came calling.
Yet, you were a blunt, honest man who does not pretend. You always said the truth as it is. You always hit the nail on the head, no matter whose ox is gored.
My last encounter with you was at the funeral ceremony of Dr. Lekan Are at Government College Ibadan and family reception at Kakanfo Inn where you played a very prominent role.
Words are not enough to express how good you were.
Thanks for touching so many lives positively.
No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away and yours can never die. You are a living legend. Your legacy lives on.
May Almighty Allah dwell you eternal rest in Jannataul-Firdaus, the most beautiful paradise. May He expand and illuminate your grave. Allahumo aaaaamin
Alhaji Mutiu Are is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member, Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC), Lagos State.