UPDATE ON THE PLANE CARRYING OLUSEGUN AGAGU'S BODY THAT CRASHED

The Associated Airlines plane carrying 20 people which crashed shortly after take-off from Lagos airport.

The plane was said to be carrying passengers which also include members of former Gorvernor Olusegun Agagu family to Akure for the burial of the former Ondo State governor.
The plane was also said to be carrying a coffin containing the body of the late former Governor Agagu.

According to Mr Supo Atobatele, spokesman for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the plane "was going to Akure, the engine failed on takeoff and it crash-landed and burst into flames." 

At least eight people reportedly died and five bodies have been recovered and one person is said to be receiving treatment after sustaining serious injuries.
Among the survivors is the son of former Governor Agagu who has been taken to a nearby hospital.

What would have been a celebration of life for the former Governor of Ondo State, late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who died on September 13, was turned to another mourning session in Ondo State as the chartered Air Flight expected to convene the remains of the deceased and some family members who are expected to lead the body to the state capital, Akure today crashed in Lagos.

Already, activities in the state was on top gear for the interment of Agagu which was fixed for today and tomorrow. The late Agagu was to be buried at his home town in Iju-Odo, Okitipupa local government.

As early as 7.am, residents of the state, particularly those in Akure had trooped out in large number to received the remains of the deceased which will be lying in state at the Democracy party in Akure.

Governor Olusegun, including his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Ademujimu, Chief Olusola Oke, former Ekiti state governor and his Deputy, Engr. Segun Oni, and Sikiru Lawal respectively, PDP Chieftains in the State and Agagu’s wife, Funmi with her two daughter and daughter in-law who had earlier flown into the State by another airplane were at the Akure Airport to receive the body.

However, the Democracy park, which was the venue for the lying-in-state was already filled to brim with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and other political parties supporters.

Some other Dignitaries awaiting the arrival of the corpse were, Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Simeon Borokini, the State Commissioner for Information, Environment, Mr. Kayode Akinmade and Sola Ebiseni respectively, Deuputy Governorship Candidate of PDP, Saka Lawal among others.

Pamphlets have already been distributed to dignitaries and Journalists at the events. African Independent Television, AIT and the state owned Television, OSRC were at the scene for live transmission of the event’s programme.

It was after the news of the incident filtered into the venue of the interment that, dignitaries started disappearing from scene one by one.

An unconfirmed report said some Commissioners of the state, including the Son of Chief Olu Falae, who were members of the 11 Committee constituted by the state government were among those involved in the crash.

SOURCE: Nigerian Tribune and Daily Post