Buhari, Anyaoku, Shema, Ribadu, Ondo ACN, Others Condole Fayemi Over Deputy’s death

Former Military Head of State, Gen. Mohammad Buhari; flanked by mother of late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mama Adetutu Famuagun; and her husband, Chief Festus Famuagun, during a Condolence visit to the family home of the Famuaguns, in Ado-Ekiti.

Former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammad Buhari (rtd), former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, former anti-graft boss, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, joined other well meaning Nigerians to condole with Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on the death of his deputy, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka.

Others include former Ministers Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo and Femi Fani-Kayode as well as representatives of the elders forum of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti.

Anyaoku said the death of the Deputy Governor has “left a vacuum that would not be easy to fill”, praying that God will grant the government and people of the State the fortitude to bear the loss.

The former Commonwealth Scribe who lauded the administration for the developmental strides in the state, said the achievements of the government was as a result of good working relationship between the governor and the late deputy governor as well as other cabinet members.

He urged Gov Fayemi not to allow the death of his “co-pilot” discourage  him in the quest to actualise the vision of the administration.

Anyaoku said: “I am here to commiserate with you on the death of your deputy Governor. This is my first time in this state and I am impressed by the developmental efforts, especially the road networks. This shows that you and your late deputy and the rest of your cabinet are working as a team. Like you said yesterday, she was your co-pilot and that shows she played very important role in the government.”

“You should not be discouraged by her death, rather you should strive to ensure that the vision to develop the state is actualised.

Governor Shema who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari described Olayinka’s  death as “a great loss not only to the people of Ekiti State but also all Nigerians”.

Mallam Ribadu in his remarks said the nation had lost a rare gem whom he had worked with especially during the electioneering period when he observed her as a hardworking and committed woman.

The former EFCC Boss said Olayinka’s dedication and loyalty would be missed by the progressives.

Gubernatorial candidate of the ACN in Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu also led a team of delegations from Ondo State on a condolence visit.

Akeredolu in his remarks opined that there was nothing wrong in seeking medical treatment abroad if the ailments are beyond what could be treated in Nigeria; adding though that the Nigerian Government should pay more attention to the health needs of the citizenry, especially in the area of establishing more cancer research centres across the country.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Governors of  Ekiti State have also described the late Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmi Olayinka as an epitome of service and a woman with a deep sense of responsibility.

The former deputy governors, led by Chief Paul Alabi asserted that Mrs Olayinka had served the State with sincerity of purpose, loyalty and genuine sense of responsibility which everyone in the State could attest to.

Accompanied by two of Former Governor Ayo Fayose’s Deputies, Mr Abiodun  Aluko and Chief Abiodun Olujimi, Alabi also said that the Forum was particularly impressed that the late Deputy Governor never allowed the lust of office to blindfold her as seen in the smooth working relationship that existed between her and the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi .

He said: “To the best of our knowledge in Ekiti State, she served you very well because you used to say it in the public about her sincerity of purpose, loyalty to you and government. She was very humble even outsiders know that. She never allowed the lust of office to blindfold her sense of responsibility. Her respect for elders is commendable. We pray that God almighty will console you, her family and the entire people of the State”, the Forum said.

Others dignitaries who also expressed their condolences include former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, members of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) led by their leader, Hon Wale Oshin; Ekiti Council of Elders and popular musician, Yinka Ayefele among others.

Last modified: April 12, 2013