Oyo State Lawmakers Hold Special Valedictory Sitting for Late Colleague

The Oyo State House of Assembly, has, on Wednesday, held a special valedictory sitting in honor of the member representing Ibadan South East 2 State Constituency, Hon. Segun Popoola, who passed away on July 12, 2022.

Popoola died of kidney-related complications at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan a few days to his 46th birthday.

The plenary, attended by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Munta Abimbola; PDP leaders, political functionaries, family members, friends and other well wishers, was part of activities lined up for the burial of the lawmaker.

The Deputy Governor, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde at the sitting, reiterated the promise of the Governor to sponsor the education of the children of the late lawmaker, under the umbrella of the governor’s foundation.

He urged members of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly to also lend support to the family left behind by their colleague, saying death is a call everyone must answer and hence appealed to people to do good always.

Lawal said: “Hon Popoola has gone to rest. He has faced the reality of death. He was a good man and a responsible parliamentarian. We are all going to miss him dearly.”

It was all glowing tributes as members of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly took turns to recall one or two moments with the late Hon. Popoola.

Some of the lawmakers, who shed tears, described him as a hardworking member and a gentleman who promoted the bond of friendship with everyone in the Assembly, including staff and management.

In his tribute, the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the grief and loss that accompanied the death of Hon. Popoola would forever remain unending because no one ever thought he would end the race suddenly and at such a prime age of 46.

Ogundoyin stated: “It is really hard to believe that Popson is no more. The Honorable members, management and staff of the Oyo State House of Assembly are yet to come to grips with your death. It is just like you are away on vacation to return to us soon.”

The Speaker described Popoola as a lawmaker with a difference, who embodied courage, excellence and commitment in public service, saying he admired Popoola’s character and profound loyalty to legislative activities, his constituency and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Ogundoyin recalled that as the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and a member of other committees, Popoola was dutiful and responsible and his report was always thorough and timely.

“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 Speaker said.

The special plenary session was followed by lying-in-state where members and other guests paid their last respect to the departed lawmaker.

During a church commendation service for the late lawmaker, held at the Christ Church, Mapo, Ibadan, the Vicar of the Church, Rev. K. Aremu, described death as inevitable for all living beings.

Aremu urged the congregation to always take a cue from people who lived exemplary lives while alive and also remember their final resting place.

Friends, family and political associates of the late Oyo State lawmaker openly betrayed emotions as his remains were buried.

N.O