The programme was suspended until she was revived.

The Chief of Staff to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Kola Ademujimi, a medical doctor, led the widow to the Okitipupa State Hospital, where she was attended to by specialists.

House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; his deputy, Emeka Ihediorah, and Mimiko wept uncontrollably at the solemn ceremony.

Tambuwal and Mimiko described the late Nomiye (50) as an unassuming, generous and cultured politician, who contributed immensely to the development of his people.

Tambuwal described Nomiye’s death as a big loss to Ondo State and the National Assembly and pledged that the National Assembly would stand by the deceased’s family.

“On November 21, the late Nomiye politely accosted me on my way from the legislative chamber and invited me to an award ceremony slated for November 23 in Akure, where he was to be honoured as the Ondo State Man of the Year.

“I told him to clarify the date from my chief of staff to see whether I would be engaged or not. He returned and said I was not engaged that day.

“From the bottom of my heart, I agreed to grace the occasion, not knowing that would be my last encounter with him. The following day, they phoned me that he had died, Tambuwal said.”

Mimiko burst into tears as Nomiye’s remains were lowered into the grave.

He prayed to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

In his sermon, Pastor Akinkolurejo of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Itura in Okitipupa described the late Nomiye as a humble man, who dedicated his life to God.

Quoting John 14 and Revelation 22, he said everybody would account for his or her work on the judgment day.

The late Nomiye, popularly known as Groovy, slumped and died in his Abuja home on November 22 after a meeting with some of his friends.