Speaker’s sudden death: Oyo state government declares a three-day mourning period

The Oyo State Government has declared a three-day mourning period starting from Monday, where it directed that flags are to be flown at half-mast.

This is just as Governor Abiola Ajimobi led other members of the state executive council, on a visit to the Anatomy Department of the University of Ibadan, to ascertain the likely cause of death of Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo.

Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji described the death as a tragic loss for him and the people of the state.

Ajimobi , said “I received the news of the untimely passage of my brother, friend and dependable political ally, with grief and utter shock, this morning (Friday).

“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 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 candour, 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,” he stated.

Adeyemo, aged 47,  had slumped at his residence, following a heart attack he suffered, shortly after a he had a discussion over the phone with his wife and three sons who are currently abroad.

He was said to have died on the way to the Jericho Specialist hospital, Ibadan while his body was deposited at the morgue of the Department of Anatomy, University of Ibadan.

His sudden death had thrown his family members, friends, members and staff of the Assembly, into deep grief, as they were seen standing in groups, around the morgue and House of Assembly.

A few of them expressed shock at the ephemeral nature of life, noting that Adeyemo was boisterous while presiding over the last plenary of the Assembly, which held on Tuesday, and adjourned till May 3.