Barely days before the scheduled bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially named the Government Reserved Area (GRA) in Samonda after the late Hon. Prince Olaide Adewale Akinremi, popularly known as “Jagaban.”
The event, organised by the State Government in collaboration with the Ibadan North Local Government, took place on Wednesday along Dominican University Road, Samonda, Ibadan.
It drew political leaders, community stakeholders, government officials, and family members of the late Akinremi, including APC chieftain Oloye Fijabi, who served as the Father of the Day.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, thanked His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, for fulfilling his pledge.
He also appreciated the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, for his consistent support on matters concerning Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
Hon. Olufade extended gratitude to all attendees for their presence and for showing love towards the late federal representative, Hon. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban.
During the unveiling of the modern estate, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, representing Governor Seyi Makinde, described the naming of the Prince Olaide Akinremi Jagaban GRA as both a celebration of the estate and a tribute to the late statesman’s enduring legacy.
He noted that the Governor’s decision to name the estate after Jagaban reflects his deep appreciation for the late House of Representatives member’s contributions to Oyo State, particularly in Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The Deputy Governor expressed delight at the completion of the project, acknowledging Jagaban’s good deeds and the deserving nature of the recognition.
Stressing that the estate is serene, welcoming, and habitable, Barr. Lawal urged political and public office holders to emulate Jagaban’s exemplary leadership and prayed to Allah to grant him eternal rest.
He also commended Oloye Fijabi, the Chairman of the occasion, for his candor and bold endorsement of Governor Makinde as a good leader despite belonging to the APC, noting that his public declaration was a testament to the administration’s impact.
“On behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, I extend our gratitude to all involved, particularly the contractor, for their outstanding work. We assure that this estate will be maintained to the highest standards.
We also appreciate the Legacy Group and others for their support. May our candidate, Don, emerge victorious in the August 16 bye-election,” he said.
Earlier, APC chieftain Oloye Fijabi praised the late Jagaban as a philanthropist and impactful leader who left a lasting mark on Oyo State politics. He also commended Governor Makinde for immortalizing Jagaban, describing him as an exceptional leader who transcends party lines.
Oloye Fijabi pledged his support for the Makinde administration and prayed for Jagaban’s eternal rest.
The event was attended by several notable dignitaries, including the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; House of Representatives member Adebayo Adepoju; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Kazim Adeniyi Adeyinka Bibire; the Chief Host, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade; the House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1, Hon. Olufunke Comforter; the House of Assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, Hon. Babajide Gabriel; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ijaya; Commissioner for Lands, Hon. Akinfunmilayo; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun; Hon. Shina Peller; Ekefa Balogun of Ibadan, Baba Eleruwere; Imam Bello, Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ibadan North Local Government; Hon. Bimbo Adekanbi; Mogaji Adanla; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Coordination, Hon. Kabiru Salami De-Bomba; Hon. Matthew Alani Oyeniyi; and many others.
