Olayinka: 3,200 Sign Condolence Registers

No fewer than 3,200 individuals and representatives of corporate organisations as well as development partners have signed the condolence registers opened in memory of late Ekiti Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka.

Gov. Kayode Fayemi had during a broadcast on Sunday night directed that condolence registers be opened at the Government House, Governor’s Office, Deputy Governor’s Office, House of Assembly as well as Ekiti State Liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several sympathisers were sighted on Monday in Ado-Ekiti signing the registers and commiserating with the bereaved family and the state government.

NAN also observed that the state wore a mournful look with most ministries, agencies and corporations shut or operating at low ebb.

Flags in public establishments and private organisations were also flown at half mast in line with the directives of the governor.

Though the state government had approved a state burial for Olayinka, no fewer than 150 groups had signified interest to take part in the burial.

In his condolence message, a former Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Chief Akin Osuntokun, described Olayinka's death as ``exceptionally regrettable and personal loss to the Osuntokun dynasty of Ekiti.’’

Osuntokun, a former Managing Director of NAN, said the late deputy governor would be sadly missed by the family because of her dedication, charitable personality, comportment and dedication to duty.

``I recollect that our paths crossed when I was the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during which she was also the Corporate Affairs Manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA).

``From that very day onward, she left me with an impression of a most pleasant person I have ever met.

``Even though we were politically apart, she remained an outstanding public figure I could easily connect with within a short period of time, thereby making her death a personal loss,’’ he said.

Similarly, Rep. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, described the death of Olayinka as ``devastating.’’

The lawmaker in a statement expressed shock and disbelief over the death of the deputy governor.

``Her death is very devastating and sad. In fact, I am short of words’’ she said.

The lawmaker said the late deputy governor was loyal and hardworking, adding that her death occurred at a time the state was witnessing tremendous growth and development.

Dabiri-Erewa said the late deputy governor would be remembered for her humility and commitment to the emancipation of women.



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