The House of Representatives has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Rep. Prince Olaide Adewale Akinremi, affectionately known as Jagaban, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A distinguished and ranking member of the 10th Assembly, Rep. Akinremi who served as Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, passed away Wednesday morning July 10, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 51.
Until his demise, the Oyo legislator was a dedicated public servant known for his unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency and the country at large.
His passion for service, coupled with his deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of his people, earned him the endearing title of ‘Jagaban.’
Throughout his tenure, he was a staunch advocate for policies and initiatives that promoted social welfare, economic growth, and scientific research.
His contributions to legislative debates and his active participation in committee activities were a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Rep. Akinremi was as much a grassroots politician as he was an astute statesman who leveraged his goodwill and network of relationships to attract positive impact to the people of his constituency.
He built friendships by being intentional about reaching out and sending goodwill messages to all colleagues at special occasions, fostering camaraderie and unity within the House.
As a ranking member, Rep. Akinremi had keen institutional memory and was a mentor to many first-time parliamentarians, guiding them with wisdom gained from his extensive experience in legislative affairs.
In his reaction, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, expressed his profound sadness over the loss.
“Rep. Akinremi Olaide Adewale was a beacon of dedication and service. His contributions to our legislative work, especially in the area of science and research, were invaluable. His passing is a great loss to the House, his constituency, and the nation. We will miss his leadership, wisdom, and the unique passion he brought to his work,” the Speaker stated.
The entire House of Representatives mourned this significant loss and extended its heartfelt condolences to the Akinremi family, the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the Government and People of Oyo State, and the entire APC family.
Rep. Akinremi’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working with him and benefiting from his leadership.
The House of representatives prayed that the Almighty grants his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Rep. (Prince) Olaide Adewale Musliudeen Akinremi, affectionately known as ‘Prince Akinremi Jagaban (PAJ)’, was a distinguished Nigerian legislator and humanitarian. Born on October 1, 1972, to the esteemed family of Alhaji (Chief) Latifu Àdìsá Akínrẹ̀mí in Oyo State, South West Nigeria, he devoted his life to public service, entrepreneurship, and community development.
A devout Muslim, Prince Akinremi was united in matrimony with Mrs. Adama Akinremi, and they were blessed with five children.
He pursued his education diligently at the African Methodist Zion University in Monrovia, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.
He later achieved a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Public Sector Management, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.
Prior to his distinguished political career, Prince Akinremi excelled as an international business magnate, leading reputable firms such as Afrique Construction, Akinremi Farms, and Akinremi Heavy Duty Motors.
His business acumen provided a solid foundation for his subsequent contributions to the political arena.
In 2018, he heeded the call of his constituents in Ibadan North Federal Constituency, contesting and securing the House of Representatives seat under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His victory in the 2019 National Assembly Elections marked the commencement of his impactful legislative journey.
Prince Akinremi’s tenure in the Green Chamber was characterised by exemplary leadership and substantial legislative contributions.
He chaired the House Committee on Science Research Institutions in both the 9th and 10th Assemblies and served as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technology in the 9th Assembly.
His oversight responsibilities extended to vital areas such as Arms Control, Agriculture, Customs, Emergency Preparedness, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he championed effective governance and accountability.
Passionate about grassroots development and humanitarian endeavours, Prince Akinremi utilised his Prince Akinremi Foundation (PAF) to empower constituents through educational support, skill acquisition programmes, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
He fervently supported women’s empowerment and various health and relief efforts, including Lassa Fever and COVID-19 response measures that benefited thousands of families in his constituency.
Recognised for his unwavering dedication and contributions, Prince Akinremi received numerous accolades, including the ‘Humanitarian of the Year Award’ at the Democracy Heroes Award in 2019. His steadfast commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was evident through his service on its Constitution Review Committee and his instrumental role in the party’s reconciliation efforts, notably his tenure on the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) for 21 months.
Throughout his distinguished career, Prince Akinremi advocated for peace, security, and community policing as fundamental pillars of national stability, particularly in the South West region.
He vocally opposed social vices and tirelessly promoted religious harmony and interpersonal relationships as catalysts for societal progress.
His final legislative engagement was at the inaugural ‘Legislative Open Week’ in July 2024, where he passionately deliberated on pressing national issues affecting Nigerians across all sectors.
Rep. (Prince) Olaide Adewale Akinremi’s legacy as a compassionate leader, astute businessman, and dedicated public servant will continue to inspire future generations.
His contributions to the House of Representatives and his unwavering commitment to the service of his constituents until his passing on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, will be remembered with profound respect and admiration.