‘His death shocking,’ Abiodun mourns Ogun REC Ijalaye
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed sorrow over the death of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Olaniyi Ijalaye.
Ijalaye died on Monday evening in Abuja, shortly after attending a meeting at INEC’s headquarters.
He reportedly died after collapsing shortly after attending the meeting.
The PUNCH gathered that Ijalaye appeared in good spirits throughout the meeting before returning to his hotel room at the Bon Octagon Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory, where he suddenly collapsed.
Reacting to his death, Abiodun described Ijalaye’s death as both devastating and a profound shock.
The governor’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, on Tuesday.
Adeniran said Abiodun described Ijalaye as an honest, committed, and highly intellectual public servant who embodied humility, patriotism, and unwavering integrity.
“I sympathise with the entire Ijalaye dynasty, the people, and the government of Ondo State on the passing of their great and illustrious son; indeed, Ijalaye was an exemplary figure of diligence, commitment, and honesty in public service.
“While his death came as a rude shock to us in Ogun State, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life of integrity and indelible impact; may God rest his soul and protect the family he left behind,” the statement read.
