Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has described the sudden death of Hon. Adewale Elijah Oluwatayo as a shock to him.

Elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos, Adewale, popularly called Jah by his supporters, attended the caucus meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening but slumped in the early hours of Thursday.

Dogara in a statement issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, said he was deeply affected by the news of the sudden demise of his colleague whom he described as a hardworking, committed and patriotic lawmaker.

According to the Speaker, “The late Hon. Elijah died when his services to the nation was most needed.

“We mourn our fallen colleague as one who gave his best in service to God and humanity.

“He was a committed and hardworking member who championed the cause of his people.

“Our hearts goes to his immediate family, the people of Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency and Lagos State over this great loss.”

The Speaker therefore prayed God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, saying: “We will surely miss him in the Green Chamber.”

While commiserating with family of the deceased, the apex leader of the APC in Ifako-Ijaiye, Chief Ayo Akande, in a statement expressed shock over Adewale’s death. According to him, the late lawmaker was a loyal politician who will never compromise his belief and ideology.

“Honourable Adewale was a loyal party man who was a good ambassador of his people in Ifako-Ijaiye. He is humble servant leader who puts the interest of his people first. He was a very principled, respectful politician who would never compromise his belief. He will be greatly missed.

“My heartfelt condolence to his family, the good people of Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, the leadership of the National Assembly and the APC family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The deceased lawmaker served as a Special Adviser on Education in Lagos state between 2009-2011 and chairman Electricity Board between 2004-2007.

He attended Ilesha Grammar School 1968 and subsequently attended and graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he obtained his B.Sc. in1979, and Lagos State University 2005, where he bagged his Master’s degree in Education.

•Adapted from an Independent report. Photo shows late Hon. Adewale Elijah Oluwatayo.

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