The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Soyemi Coker, describing his passing as a great loss to Ogun State and the nation.
The condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the senator’s Media Adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro, following the death of the former lawmaker at the age of 66.
According to the statement, Coker died on Sunday while preparing to leave for church service, a development Adeola described as shocking and heartbreaking.
The senator extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late politician, recalling that Coker served as Chairman of Odeda Local Government before representing his constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, where he also served as Speaker of the Assembly.
Adeola said the late Coker’s death came at a period when his vast experience in governance and public service remained invaluable to the state.
“The loss of Honourable Coker came at a time when his wealth of experience in public service is still needed by the state and the nation,” the senator said.
He disclosed that the late former Speaker had been scheduled to meet with him as part of his ongoing political consultations across the state.
“He was scheduled to meet with me as part of my consultation in the ongoing politics of Ogun State as one of the apex APC leaders of Odeda Local Government. His demise is a loss to the state of a legislator with experience in conflict management and governance,” Adeola added.
The APC governorship candidate prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant his family the strength to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
