A member of the Kwara state House of Assembly, representing Patigi constituency, Hon. Ahmed Saidu Rufai has been reported dead.
His departure was announced in a statement by Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu.
The lawmaker in his late 30s, died at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) in the early hour of Tuesday after a protracted illness.
The burial of the late lawmaker will be done in accordance with the Islamic injunction (Jannazah) later on Tuesday, at his country home, Patigi.
It was also gathered that he left an aged father, wife and children.
The Media aide to the Speaker, Ibrahim Sheriff described his death as shocking, said, “He’s been sick for sometimes and has been going for medical checkups and treatment. But was admitted last week because he still attended the last plenary.
“I don’t know the nature of his sickness actually, but he’s been strong even before their inauguration”.
The Speaker in a condolence message described the death of the deceased as a rude shock, saying, “it is with a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah that we announce the death of our colleague, Hon. Ahmed Saidu Rufai representing Patigi constituency.
“This is an unexpected situation that caught us in a rude shock, but unfortunately, the Almighty deprived us of the power to reverse such a sad occurrence.
“As we struggle to live with this tragic development and the vacuum that comes with it, we pray that Allah in His infinite mercy forgive his shortcomings and give his family, the 9th Assembly, Patigi Emirate, friends and associate and Kwara state at large, the fortitude to bear this great loss.”