In a tragic development, Nigeria has lost two prominent former lawmakers within 24 hours. Hon. Christopher Ayeni, former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, and Hon. Babatunde Eesuola, a former lawmaker from Oyo State, have both passed away, sending waves of sorrow through their communities and political associates.
Hon. Ayeni, who was deeply respected for his commitment to public service, lost his life in a fatal car accident on Thursday near Igbaja Junction in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State. Ayeni was a notable figure in Kwara politics, having served in various governmental roles, including Commissioner for Agriculture. As a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and holder of the chieftaincy title of Akogun of Isapa Land in Ekiti Local Government Area, he was widely admired for his leadership and dedication to his constituents.
Shortly following the news of Ayeni’s death, Hon. Babatunde Eesuola, a former representative of Atiba Constituency in Oyo State, passed away after a brief illness in Ibadan. Eesuola was a dedicated member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and had served as chair of the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency. His passing comes at a particularly poignant time, as he was set to defend his PhD at the University of Ibadan in the coming days, marking the untimely end of a promising academic and political journey.
The losses of Ayeni and Eesuola have drawn an outpouring of grief from communities and colleagues alike. In Ekiti, APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi paid tribute to Ayeni, describing him as an irreplaceable figure whose influence will be deeply missed. In Oyo, Eesuola’s colleagues expressed heartfelt condolences, reflecting on his commitment to social development and his impactful contributions to the state.
The deaths of these two statesmen have underscored the transient nature of life, leaving a void in the political landscapes of Kwara and Oyo states. Community members, party affiliates, and family members are mourning the loss of two influential leaders whose dedication to service and development will remain a lasting legacy.
