A former member of the defunct Bendel State House of Assembly in the Second Republic, Hon. Michael Olanrewaju Oloyo, has passed away.
Hon. Oloyo, who represented the North Akoko Edo constituency in the assembly, reportedly died on Monday, August 26, at the age of 85.
His death was announced through a press release signed by Comrade Prince Olusi Augustine Afolabi, on behalf of the Usomogidi family.
The Family said the amiable former lawmaker dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving the Akoko Edo people.
The announcement further stated that the Usomogidi family was deeply devastated by the loss of the former lawmaker and described his death as a “huge loss.”
According to the release, the late Hon. Oloyo served the state meritoriously in various capacities, including serving as the chairman of the Bendel State Cement Company, Okpella, Edo North and as a member of the 1995 Constitutional Conference.
Late Hon Oloyo’s last public appointment was as chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi.
The late lawmaker was a lecturer at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He was also a staunch member of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo between 1979 and 1983
When the military took over the reins of power in December 1984, in a coup d’etat, Hon Oloyo quit politics and devoted a significant portion of his life to the family and community.
Comrade Afolabi described the deceased as a “devoted family man, respected community leader, and dedicated public servant,” adding that he was able to touch lives during his lifetime.
The family also promised to announce his funeral arrangements later.