Oyo lawmaker buried amidst tears

From Ogundele Olanrewaju

It was with grim faces that the remains of late Oyo State House of Assembly lawmaker, Olusegun Popoola, were buried on Wednesday, amidst tears and wailings from friends, family and political associates of the deceased.

Until his death on July 12 2022, he was a lawmaker representing Ibadan South-East II and was the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Recall he died of kidney related complications at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan a few days to his 46th birthday.

During a short plenary organised in his honour at the state House of Assembly, Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, expressed regret over his sudden death, noting that: “This is a star cut at his prime.”

“A great icon to Oyo State. May God Almighty God forgive your sin and your soul rest in perfect peace forever, Amen.”

The deputy governor, however, restated Makinde’s commitment to enrol the deceased two children into his personal foundation such that whether or not he is in government, adding that the support would not cease.

In his own tribute, Speaker of the Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin described the late Popoola as a lawmaker with a difference, pointing out that he embodied courage, excellence and commitment in public service.

He said: “With every death, there is a loss and with every loss, there will be grief. The grief and loss that accompany your death on the 12th of July, 2022 will forever remain unending because no one ever thought you would end the race suddenly and at such a prime age of 46. It is really hard to believe that Popson is no more. The Honorable members, management and staff of 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.”

“He was a lawmaker with a difference. Our late colleague embodied courage, excellence and commitment in public service. I personally admired his character and profound loyalty to legislative activities, his constituency and our party, the PDP. As the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and a member of other Committees, Hon. Popoola was dutiful and responsible. 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).”

“Each and everyone of us here will from now on only remember the beautiful times we spent together, the journey we made together, the meetings, seminars, conferences and workshops we attended together, the resolutions we made together, the plenary sessions we held together, the meal and drink we took together and above all we will forever cherish the strong cord of love and friendship that binded us together as you were a loving and an unassuming personality who dedicated his life to the service of the people.”

“The outpouring of condolences since your demise was a testimony to the undeniable fact that you lived a worthy and purposeful life. You were one of my closest and trusted allies, my confidant and my think-tank. You have left a big vacuum that will be too difficult to fill.”

“To the family, the bereaved wife and children of our late friend, words are inadequate to console and comfort you at this moment of your grief. But take solace in Matthew 5:4 (Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted). And always remember ” He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4. May your wounds be healed and may you find support and pillar from above.”

“Finally to everyone here present, let us always remember Psalm 147:3 in our difficult times for “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. ” Let us make our sojourn on this earthly life as beneficial to as many people as possible so that posterity can remember us and speak good of us when we finish our races like Hon Popoola. May the Lord help us all.”

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

He urged the congregation to always take cues from lives of people who have lived exemplary lives while alive and also remember the final resting place.