Two years after the death of Hon. Prince Musiliudeen Olaide Akinremi, the beloved lawmaker popularly known as Jagaban, his bosom friend and longtime political associate, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has paid a heartfelt tribute, describing the late legislator as “a brother, mentor, and rare gem for humanity.”

Hon. Akinremi, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away exactly two years ago today, July 10, 2024, after a brief illness. His sudden departure left a deep void in the political landscape of Oyo State and in the hearts of those who knew him best.

In a poignant tribute released to his Media Team in Ibadan, Engr. Alao, widely known as Allow Alao, reflected on the profound impact Jagaban had on his life and on the constituency they both served.

“I lost a brother, a confidant, and a political compass on July 20, 2024,” Alao said emotionally. “Jagaban was not just a Member of the National Assembly. He was a grassroots man to the core. He understood the pain of the people and he carried their burdens as his own. Ibadan North has not been the same since he left us.”

Alao emphasized that the vacuum left by the late Jagaban in Oyo politics—and in his personal life—remains unfilled. He praised Akinremi’s deep connection to the people, noting that his passion for service and his understanding of the needs and aspirations of his constituents earned him the endearing title of ‘Jagaban.

Engr. Alao went further, highlighting the late lawmaker’s intentional approach to building relationships and nurturing future leaders. “He would call you just to check on you. He sent goodwill messages to colleagues on birthdays and during special occasions. That was Jagaban. He built friendships, and he built leaders. He was a rare gem who invested in people without expecting anything in return,” Alao recalled.

In a broader reflection on the state of Nigerian politics, Allow Alao noted that Hon. Akinremi embodied the values of service, humility, and loyalty that are fast disappearing from public life. “The title ‘Jagaban’ did not come by accident. It was given to him by the people because he gave them everything—his time, his resources, and his heart,” Alao said. “Today, as we mark two years, I pray that leaders will learn from his style: politics without bitterness, service without noise, and representation without forgetting the grassroots.”

Looking ahead, Engr. Alao called on the current representatives of Ibadan North to sustain the developmental strides initiated by the late lawmaker, particularly in the critical areas of youth empowerment, education, and constituency projects. He urged political stakeholders in Oyo State to immortalize Jagaban’s legacy through the establishment of a foundation or an annual lecture series that promotes the ideals for which he stood.

“Let us not allow his legacies to die with him. Jagaban lived for the people. The best way to honor him is to continue the work he started,” Alao added.

Hon. Prince Olaide Akinremi served Ibadan North Federal Constituency with distinction until his untimely passing in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of grassroots engagement, compassionate leadership, and unwavering service. As a friend and political associate, the former APC aspirant marks Jagaban’s second anniversary of his death, as his memory remains a beacon of what selfless leadership can achieve.

May his soul continue to rest in peace, Amen.