Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, has mourned the passing of Hon. Olaide Akinremi, popularly known as Jagaban.
Hon. Akinremi passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, after a brief illness. Until his death, he represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives.
While waiting to receive the remains of the lawmaker with other members of the House of Representatives at the Alakia Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, Hon. Adepoju described Jagaban as a dependable colleague whose death has created a big void in the Nigerian political landscape.
He said Hon. Olaide was always ready to help, grieving that the love he had for his constituents was unparalleled, culminating in his track record of human and capital development in his constituency, which eventually earned him re-election as a member of the House of Representatives in 2023.
The lawmaker said he had just lost a true friend and one whose door was always accessible for professional advice.
“Jagaban took national assignment beyond partisan politics; it is a moment of emotional laceration for not just me but also for those who had the opportunity to meet or work with him.
“It is painful that we lost such a precious soul. Akinremi served Ibadan and Nigeria well, and his acts of benevolence will be deeply missed. His passing is a lesson to all; if you check around this airport today, you will notice that there is no member of any political party that is not here, such was the kind of life of network and connection Akinremi lived,” Ibarapkan said.
The federal lawmaker also urged political officeholders to prioritise their personal well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance, noting that public servants, especially lawmakers, unwittingly neglect their own care while striving to meet the numerous needs of constituents.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the hardworking lawmaker, Ibarapakan appreciated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for sending a representative down to Ibadan all the way from Abuja to join in mourning the passing of a distinguished member of the Assembly and to give him deserving last respects.
At the airport, Ibarapakan also had the opportunity to meet with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, who was returning from official duties in Abuja.
After announcing the cancellation of the flight to convey the body of the lawmaker due to bad weather conditions, Ibarapakan assured newsmen at the airport that his colleagues would assemble themselves again tomorrow, Thursday, July 11, 2024, to receive the remains of their colleague and give him a befitting burial.
