The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the death of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ogun State, Niyi Ijalaye, in Abuja.
Ijalaye reportedly slumped in his hotel room on Monday in Abuja and died after attending a meeting of the commission with other RECs.
The meeting was the third regular consultation of the commission which focused mainly on the preparations for the Edo and Edo governorship elections scheduled for later in the year.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced the REC’s death in a statement last night.
The statement reads: “It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that the INEC announces the death of Mr. Olaniyi Ijalaye, the REC for Ogun State on Monday, August 19, 2024, after attending the regular quarterly meeting of the commission in Abuja.
“Mr. Ijalaye, who hails from Owo, Ondo State, was born in 1958. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1982 and was called to the Nigeria Bar (B.L) in 1983. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) from the same university in 1995.
“Until his demise, Mr. Ijalaye, who assumed duty on February 23, 2022, worked with integrity and was hardworking and conscientious.
“The commission extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and prays that God would grant him eternal rest.”
Also, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the family of the late Ijalaye.
In a statement yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the governor also condoled with INEC over the loss, saying Ijalaye’s death came to him as a rude shock.
“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 said.