The Chairman, House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mogaji Oyebamiji Sobaloju Olorode.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the late politician as “a notable pillar of progressive politics” and “a dependable disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”
Olorode was known for his active involvement in the politics of the First, Second, and aborted Third Republics. He was considered one of the last surviving political foot soldiers of the Awolowo era.
In a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker said Olorode’s death was a great loss to the APC in Oyo State, the people of Ogbomoso and the progressive political family in the South-West.
He said, “It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of Pa Oyebamiji Sobaloju Olorode, a principled leader and statesman whose life was devoted to public service, justice, and progressive ideals.
“His political journey, which began in the First Republic, bore witness to his unwavering belief in the Awolowo ideology. He served under the late Chief Bola Ige as chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government in 1982 and remained a vocal advocate for good governance till his last days.”
Oseni extolled the late elder statesman’s contributions to democracy and grassroots development, noting that he left behind a legacy of courage, discipline, and service.
He prayed for the repose of Olorode’s soul and urged politicians, especially those in the progressive fold across the state, to emulate the values he stood for.
“Pa Olorode’s death is not just a loss to Ogbomoso or the APC, but to the entire Yoruba political heritage,” he added.
