Oyo Declares 3-day Mourning for Late Speaker

Segun Atanda/

The Oyo State Government has declared a three-day mourning period for the late Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo.

Adeyemo died early today after a sudden illness. He was aged 47.

A statement by the state government said the mourning period starts from Monday, April 30 to Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Flags will be flown at half mast during the period.

According to the statement, the governor, who was on official assignment outside the state, rushed down to Ibadan, when the news broke. He headed straight to the Anatomy Department of the University of Ibadan where the late Speaker’s remains were kept.

The governor also reportedly had a lengthy discussion with the family members and the large number of sympathizers he met on ground.

He described the death as a tragic loss for him and the people of the state.

“I received the news of the untimely passage of my brother, friend and dependable political ally, with grief and utter shock, this morning. He was a fine gentleman and bridge builder, who was committed to the development and progress of the state. His death has left a gaping void that will be difficult to fill,” he said.

The governor also expressed sadness that death had again taken away one of the brightest, dutiful and committed political leaders in the state, who had used his sagacity in piloting the affairs of the Assembly without rancor.

He added, “He was an energetic young man that was always prepared to sacrifice his time, expertise and resources to ensure that the relationship between the Executive and Legislature did not break down at any time, no matter how thorny the issue might be. He was my bridge builder.

“Political leaders from Ibarapa zone deferred to him because of his candor, gentleness, respect and his amiable disposition to all, young and old. He was a rallying point for the Assembly leaders, who held him in high esteem because of his unassuming nature.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, honorable members of the House of Assembly, his political associates, friends and loved ones. This is a loss too sudden and tragic for me to bear. My prayer is that his very gentle soul should continue to rest in peace. I will sorely miss him.”

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