The lawmaker representing Ibadan South-East II constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Olusegun Popoola, has passed away at the age of 45.

It was gathered that Popoola died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday night.

Popoola was until his death the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The demise of the lawmaker was confirmed by the Deputy Majority Leader of the Oyo Assembly, Mr Sunkanmi Babalola, saying: “His death is a shocking and devastating one. We lost a rare gem who was committed to making life better for his people. I’m yet to recover from the shock.

“He was a very resourceful man who was ready to give his all, I’m speechless and short of words for this loss.”

The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, in his condolence message, described the death of Popoola as a rude shock.

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Adedoyin said: “The news of the death of one of the most active, vibrant, and resourceful lawmakers in the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly came to me and everyone in the House as a rude shock.

“We are deeply saddened and grieved by this painful and untimely exit of one of us. This is unbearable.

“He was a patriotic, selfless, and hardworking lawmaker who gave his best for the service of Oyo State House of Assembly, his constituents, and indeed the entire people of Oyo State.”

He further described the deceased as “a peace-loving and easy-going gentleman who was admired by all”.

The Star