Lagos — Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) Wednesday, expressed shock and sadness at the sudden transition of legendary highlife music exponent, Chief Stephen Oladipupo Owomoyela popularly known as Orlando Owoh, on Tuesday November 4.

Fashola, in a condolence letter to wife of the deceased, Shade, described him as an exceptional human being whose musical talents remained unrivalled till the very end.

He added that "the passage of Dr. Orlando Owoh, as he was popularly known, at this time has left a big vacuum which would be very difficult to fill".

Fashola who described Owoh's brand of music as inimitable, said the artists departed with fond memories of his very rich contributions to national development through his strong messages against socio-cultural and political ills.

"As a true African music ambassador whose pure, indigenous danceable rhythm has remained evergreen across social classes, Dr. Owoh would always be remembered for his impact on our national cultural growth," said Fashola.

The governor added that the life and times of Dr, Owomoyela should also inspire the younger generation to greater productivity and creativity recalling that as a patriot he enlisted in the Nigerian Army during the civil war.

He said he was also an artiste who consistently worked hard to realize his dreams and strove to be creatively different.

Governor Fashola therefore prayed that God Almighty grant the widow, his children and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.