Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of a distinguished scholar, political scientist and Second Republic parliamentarian, Prof. Israel Opeyemi Ola Olakanmi.
Prof. Opeyemi Ola who represented his constituency in the Federal House of Representatives between 1979 and 1983, died on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the age of 98.
The Governor, in a condolence statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, extolled the contributions of the deceased to scholarship, research and national manpower development through his distinguished academic career at the Universities of Ibadan and Lagos.
Governor Oyebanji described the late professor as a committed disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noting that he served as one of the intellectual pillars of the Action Group (AG) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), under whose platform he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1979.
The Governor also acknowledged his contributions to community development in his hometown, Efon Alaaye, particularly his leadership role in presenting the community’s memorandum before the Arthur Mbanefo Panel in 1996, seeking the creation of Efon Local Government Area.
Governor Oyebanji commiserated with the people of Efon Alaaye, the academic community, associates and family of the deceased, describing his passing as a loss to Ekiti State and the nation.
He said Ekiti State was proud to have produced a distinguished scholar and patriot whose contributions to education, public service and community development would remain a source of inspiration to generations.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and for God’s comfort for his family and all those mourning his demise.
Last modified: November 11, 2026