Jones Arogbofa, Jonathan’s former chief of staff, slumps, dies in Abuja

Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, a former chief of staff to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is dead.

Arogbofa, a retired brigadier-general, slumped and died on Saturday in Abuja.

Arogbofa, who retired from the Nigerian Army in 2004, was the chief of staff to Jonathan between 2014 and 2015.

The deceased, aged 72, was a native of Oka Akoko, Akoko south-west LGA of Ondo state.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo state governor, reacted to Arogbofa’s demise in a statement signed by Ebenezer Adeniyan, his chief press secretary.

The governor described the death of the retired general as a “tragic loss”.

“Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has received with a heavy heart the news of the death of an illustrious son of the State, Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (rtd), who died in the early hours of Saturday,” the statement reads.

The Governor notes that the invaluable services and contributions of Gen. Arogbofa to the development of Nigeria as a soldier, politician and administrator will remain indelible.

“While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the Governor comforts his elder brother and one of the surviving founding fathers of Ondo State, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa.”

Aiyedatiwa also commiserated with members of the Arogbofa family and urged them to “find solace in God and in the cherished memories and legacy of the late statesman”.

Also reacting, Ben Murray-Bruce, former senator and founder of Silverbird Group, described Arogbofa as a “true hero” and a “dear friend”.

“His wisdom, integrity, and dedication to Nigeria will forever be remembered. A true hero has left us, but his legacy endures,” Murray-Bruce tweeted.