The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the death of the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Barrister Olaniyi Ijalaye, News About Nigeria reports.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, described his death as shocking.
He expressed his sympathy to the family of the late Ijalaye and the state chapter of INEC.
The late Ogun REC reportedly died Monday evening in Abuja after attending a meeting convened by the Commission at its headquarters.
A source within Ogun INEC, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the death of the Ondo-born Resident Electoral Commissioner, saying he had just returned to his hotel room after the meeting when the incident occurred.
The governor also described the late REC as an honest, committed, and cerebral public servant with a high level of humility and patriotism, as well as an exemplary, uncompromising nature.
He, therefore, prayed for the repose of his soul and the necessary fortitude for his immediate family, friends, and colleagues to bear the irreplaceable loss.
“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, Barrister 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.
