By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State House of Assembly has held a special plenary session in honour of a former lawmaker, Kutti Oluwasegunota Towase, who served during the Eighth and Ninth Assemblies.

Kutti, who represented Akoko South East State Constituency in the 8th and 9th Assemblies between 2015 and 2023, was also a former secretary of his local government.

Both serving and former lawmakers, family members, politicians, and other dignitaries gathered in the Assembly chamber, where a minute’s silence was observed in honour of the deceased.

The special plenary session was presided over by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.

During the session, members of the House of Assembly and other dignitaries delivered speeches and orations in memory of the late lawmaker, whom they described as a dedicated and committed parliamentarian.

A former lawmaker, Gbenga Omole, said it was painful to have lost the former legislator in his prime.

While sympathising with the family, he urged lawmakers to prioritise the well-being of both past and current members of the House of Assembly.

Similarly, Olusegun Ajimotokin, another former lawmaker, described the late Kutti as a sincere leader dedicated to serving the people. 

He urged the House leadership to ensure the prompt payment of severance allowances to former lawmakers so they could cater for their health and personal needs while still alive.

The Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, described the late lawmaker as a man of peace who always stood for the truth.

Current lawmakers also spoke glowingly about the former legislator, describing him as a community leader par excellence, and prayed for God to grant his soul eternal rest.

Extolling his virtues, the Speaker described him as a bold, brilliant, and dedicated member of the House who devoted his life to humanity.

Oladiji, who sympathised with the family of the late legislator, said his meaningful and robust contributions to legislative matters would not be forgotten in a hurry, as he would be greatly missed.

The Speaker appreciated those in attendance for taking the time to pay their last respects to the former lawmaker and encouraged everyone to lead an exemplary life.

Kutti passed away on 16th January 2025 at the age of 62.