A Second Republic Senator in the old Ondo State, Michael Onunkun, popularly known as MAE Onunkun is dead.
Onunkun was aged 98.
He represented Ondo West Senatorial District, now Ondo South, in the old Ondo State from 1979 to 1983.
His daughter, Mrs Morenike Alaka, confirmed this to NAN on Thursday in Okitipupa.
Alaka, a former Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, said the elder statesman died around 11:57 pm on Wednesday at the West End Hospital, Okitipupa.
“My dad, a distinguished Senator in the Second Republic, no doubt has his flaws but he was a great statesman, a fantastic man, lover of children and education.
“He was a great politician who plays politics till he died because anytime we are together, he still discuss politics.
“We are preparing for his 99th birthday on Sept. 30, but unfortunately he died last night. His death is painful, all the children, family and Ikale people will miss him greatly,” she said.
Onunkun was blessed with two wives and 12 children – seven males and five females.