Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has described the late Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo, as the best speaker he has ever worked with since he began his political career.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident occurred, the governor extolled the late speaker during a condolence visit by a delegation of traditional rulers in Ibadan to his office.

The governor said that he was yet to come to terms with the reality that he would no longer see or hold meetings with the late Adeyemo.

“I do appreciate this condolence visit on the demise of our colleague, brother, son and our speaker. Since his exit, I have refused to speak publicly because he was so close to me. I thought for a young man who had been very patriotic, diligent, hardworking and committed to the progress and development of this state to just pass away so suddenly. But, that is the will of God.

“Regardless of his young age, we take solace in the fact that it is not how far, but how well. I have witnessed and read about many speakers and worked with two; without any equivocation, I can say that he was the best speaker that I have ever worked with.

“In terms of intellect, humility, integrity, knowledge and the Omoluabi virtue a good leader must possess, I can say without mincing words that he was the best. It is painful that we lost him. I can say that he did very well,” Ajimobi said.

Speaking earlier, Oba Balogun said that the death was a great loss to Oyo State, adding that the intellectual capacity of the late speaker had reflected in the way he had led members of the House of Assembly without rancor.