Prominent businessman and former presidential aspirant, Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, is dead.

Akande, who was the Agba Oye of Ibadanland, died after a brief illness in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 77.

Akande’s death was announced in a statement on Saturday by Olumide Akande, who described the death of the businessman as a huge shock to the family.

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 associates. 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.”

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