Absence of family, Lagos senators stalls valedictory for late Osinowo

THE senate, yesterday, failed to hold the valedictory session for the late senator representing Lagos East in the National Assembly, Senator Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo. The lawmaker, who died on June 15 following a brief illness at the age of 64, was to be honoured by his colleagues in a valedictory session on Wednesday.

However, the session could not be held as the other two senators from the state, Senators Oluremi Tinubu and Solomon Adeola, as well as family members and associates of the deceased were not available for the session.

The upper chamber, which was presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo- Agege, had, on Tuesday, adjourned plenary till Wednesday in accordance with its tradition.

According to Omo- Agege, “As it is customary, when we leave here to sign the condolence register by the foyer, it is expected that all of us following my lead will proceed to the foyer and sign the condolence register.

“Let me also announce that in addition to that, we would be having a formal valedictory service in honour of our departed colleague tomorrow. I therefore urge all our colleagues to be appropriately dressed. I will now proceed to adjourn the senate to reconvene tomorrow at 10: 00a. m.”

However, when the senate reconvened yesterday, they immediately went into an executive session for close to two hours only to emerge and continue the business of the day without mentioning the valedictory session.

The senate adjourned till Tuesday, July 7, but did not make any reference to the valedictory session. When quizzed on the failure to hold the valedictory yesterday, the senate spokesperson, Basiru Ajibola, said: “The valedictory session does not only involve legislators, but it also involves the family, friends and associates of the deceased.

“Frantic effort was made to make it happen today by getting the family and associates to be around, but you know the lockdown on interstate has just been eased. So, we cannot clap with one hand; it has to be with two hands. As soon as the family is involved, it will be done. “The person was not just a colleague, but a personal friend to me. He is my leader and my benefactor. His death is a collective pain.”