Makinde said he was saddened by the death of the legal luminary, describing Akinjide’s demise as the loss of a gem and a shining light.
These were contained in a condolence message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.
Chief Akinjide passed on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a brief illness, according to an announcement by the family.
Continuing his tribute, Makinde recalled that Akinjide, as a leading legal light, served his state and country to the best of his ability.
The Governor maintained that the former minister’s death came at a period that his wealth of experience and robust versatility in history, politics and law was needed to offer direction to the current generation of Nigerian leaders.
Makinde said: “The news of the death of our father, leader and one of the last men standing among the foremost politicians of the country, Chief Richard Akinjide, came to us as a shock.
“This is because Baba, for those who know him or has seen him in recent time, did not shown any sign of slowing down; he continued to lead intelligent and history-laden conversations, offered golden advice on governance and leadership and remained a great pillar of experience in politics and law.
“His death, no doubt, is a huge loss to Oyo State, Nigeria and indeed, the world, because he was an exemplary indigene of Ibadan and Oyo State; a detribalised Nigerian, who served the country to the best of his ability and a citizen of the world.
“We have lost a gem and a shining light in Baba Akinjide. I commiserate with my sister and chieftain of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and the rest of Baba’s biological and political children.
“I condole with all indigenes of Oyo State and Nigerians on the exit of a giant of Akinjide’s standing.”
