Ondo Assembly Holds Special Plenary in Honour of Late Former Lawmaker, Hon. Chief Mrs Cecilia lfayase
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday held a special plenary session in honour of the late former lawmaker and former Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Chief (Mrs) Cecilia Adesola Ifayase, who served during the 4th Legislative Assembly.
Chief Mrs Ifayase represented Ondo West Constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003. The special plenary, held in her memory, brought together both present and former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, lawmakers, family members, politicians, and well-wishers, who converged on the hallowed chamber to pay their last respects.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of the deceased, while one of her recorded contributions during a past plenary session was played to the admiration and emotion of attendees.
The session was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Chief ) Olamide Oladiji. The Leader of the House, Chief Olatunji Oshati, moved a motion for members to make speeches and orations in memory of the late lawmaker, which was seconded by Chief Abiola Oladapo, representing Ondo West Constituency 2.
In their tributes, members and dignitaries described the late Mrs Ifayase as an active, dedicated, and committed parliamentarian and politician who served the state and her community with distinction.
Speaker Oladiji described her as a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on Ondo State and beyond. “Born on November 22, 1954, in Ondo Town, Chief Mrs Fayase was a shining star who illuminated the lives of those around her. As a democratic leader, she championed women’s empowerment and served as a beacon of hope for many women. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations,” he said, praying for her eternal rest.
Former Speakers Rt. Hon. Ayo Agbomuserin and Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele described the late lawmaker as a vibrant woman, a truthful debater, and an advocate for women’s rights. They noted that she was fashionable, courageous, and beautiful inside and out.
The lawmakers recalled that during her tenure from 1999 to 2003, she demonstrated exemplary leadership and contributed immensely to the progress of her constituency.
Former Deputy Speakers Rt. Hon. Samuel Aderoboye and Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin remembered her as a passionate leader and bridge-builder whose ability to unite people stood out. They encouraged others to emulate her selfless service and compassion.
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chief Iranola Akinlaja, described her as a woman of conviction who never compromised her principles. He said she was a loyal Party member who worked tirelessly for her people, adding that she also had a passion for advocating for persons with disabilities.
Former Majority Leader, Hon. Henry Akinsoyinu, said, “She was more than a colleague; she was like a sister. Her dedication, wisdom, and compassion will never be forgotten.” He used the occasion to urge the state government to prioritise the welfare of former Assembly members by paying their outstanding allowances.
The Parliamentary Secretary of the House, who is representing Ondo West 1 Hon. Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, described Mrs Ifayase as a pillar of strength and compassion whose selflessness and service to humanity left a lasting legacy.
Similarly, Hon.Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, representing Owo Constituency 1, said she was a woman of integrity who always put others first and remained loyal to the ideals of the Assembly and her party even after leaving office.
A former lawmaker and ex-Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Hon.Ade Adeniyi, said though they sometimes disagreed, she was a woman of strong character and conviction. “She would often call to check on me, and I will forever cherish the memories we shared,” he said.
Other current and former lawmakers also spoke glowingly about the deceased, describing her as a community leader par excellence and praying for God to grant her eternal rest.
Chief Mrs Cecilia Adesola Ifayase passed away in 2025 at the age of 71.
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