“We’ve Lost One Of Our Finest, His Seat Is Now Vacant” – Oyo Speaker • Lawmakers Hold Special Plenary For Late Popoola
Oyo state house of Assembly lawmakers have paid tribute to the late member of the house, Hon. Olusegun Popoola, Popson, who died during a brief illness.
The parliamentarians at a special plenary organised in honour of the lawmaker, held at the House of Assembly complex, secretariate Ibadan, took turn to speak about the life and times of their colleague.
Hon Popoola until his death on the 12th of July, 2022, was the lawmaker representing Ibadan Southeast Constituency 2, in the Oyo state house of Assembly.
The assembly members in heavy laden voices described Hon. Popoola as a grassroots politician and a committed member of the 9th assembly.
Majority leader of the house, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin said though death is the imminent end of man, Hon. Popoola answered the call of his creator at a prime age.
“It is a colossal loss which has left a gaping void that would be difficult to fill amongst Members of the 9th Assembly, his constituents and the family at large. A bright light suddenly dimmed even at a prime age. What a pity, He will be sorely missed by all and sundry.” He said.
In his tribute, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said the outpouring of condolences since Popoola’s demise was a testimony to the undeniable fact that he lived a worthy and purposeful life.
Rt Hon Ogundoyin described the deceased a lawmaker with a difference, an embodied courage, excellence and commitment in public service.
“The 9th Oyo State House of Assembly has no doubt lost one of its finest. Now his seat is empty. Not because he took permission to be absent from plenary, nor because he has gone on oversight function but because he has gone to the land beyond and never to return again to the land of the living. Like the Yoruba will say ” O di bi eni jo eni, o di bi eeyan jo eniyan” (that we can only see your Look Alike, we cannot see Popson, our colleague, friend and brother again).”
The assembly later held a lying-in state for the lawmaker.
Hon. Olusegun Popoola, born on 16th July, 1976 attended the then Ibadan Municipal Government(I.M.G) Primary, School, Eleta Ibadan between 1985-1991 and later proceeded to Adelagun Memorial Grammar, School, Odinjo, Ibadan between 1991-1996.
As a result of his passion for education, he attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife for a Diploma Programme in Local Government Studies in 2001.
He later batched his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan in 2003 and 2007 respectively. Until his demise, he was the CEO/Managing Director, BIKOP Farm, Iminiljaya, Ibadan.
Hon. Popoola’s remains were later buried amidst tears after a church service at Christ Church, Mapo, Ibadan.
