The Oyo State House of Assembly, in Ibadan on Thursday, held a valedictory plenary in honour of a former majority leader, the late Mr Kehinde Subair.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Subair, who represented Ibadan South-West Constituency I as a two-time member of the house, died on March 14.
The plenary, marked by tributes and deep reflections, painted a picture of a dedicated public servant.
The Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, described Subair’s death as a tremendous loss to the assembly, the state and the people he represented.
“It is indeed a sad moment for us in the Oyo State House of Assembly.
“When the news of Subair’s death filtered in, we thought it could be fake news that emanated from the pit of evil.
“When the request for a special sitting in his honour came, we started asking ourselves, ‘So, this is how it will end for a staunch supporter of democracy?’
“He was a great mind, a community leader, a grassroots politician, and a lover of the masses,” Ogundoyin said.
Reflecting on Subair’s time in the house, Ogundoyin highlighted his remarkable services during the 7th and 8th Assemblies as the Deputy Majority Leader and Majority Leader respectively.
“Subair conducted the office he held with dexterity and leadership quality alongside Mr Olagunju Ojo and other principal officers.
“He steered the ship of the 8th Assembly to greater heights with the passage of laws that were of immense benefit in the service of the people,” Ogundoyin recounted.
He added that Subair’s tenure in the 7th Assembly, under Mrs Monsurat Sumonu, was exemplary.
“It was with a shared focus on legislative progress and with no recorded crisis.
“What a world we live in, when it was time for our father and colleague to enjoy life, the cold hand of death snatched him away.
“When it was time to do more for his children and the constituency in a higher political office, he died. What a world we live in!
“We honour you today and always, and we pray that your legacies live on,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the 7th Assembly, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, said Subair’s journey in politics was inspiring.
“He was more than just a lawmaker; he was a grassroots politician, who understood the needs and aspirations of the people he represented.
“His political journey began at the ward level as a supervisory councillor in Ibadan South-West Local Government and later as a councillor and leader of the house.
“This allowed him to, not only demonstrate his commitment to grassroots development and community service but shaped him into the dedicated and principled leader we came to know and admire,” she said.
She added that as the deputy majority leader of the 7th Assembly, Subair was a team player in every sense of the word.
“Subair was a person with the milk of human kindness. His kindness, empathy, and generosity inspired us all.
“He was a true patriot, always putting the interests of Oyo State and its people above his own.
“His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of politicians and community leaders,” she said.
NAN reports that the deceased’s daughter, Abibat Subair, spoke on behalf of the family.
Describing her father as a loving and caring family man, Abibat said his death had undeniably brought the family so much pain and left them with an irreplaceable vacuum.
“He was passionate about family affairs and did not allow politics to meddle with domestic matters.
“He will be sorely missed,” she said.
NAN reports that Subair, who was born on March 21, 1965, died in the United Kingdom at the age of 59 years.
He would be buried on Friday, the day he was to turn 60 years old.
