My Deputy Was Strong Pillar To Ekiti Transformation, Fayemi Tells Orji

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; flanked by his Abia State counterpart, Chief Theodore Orji (Right); and Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Ude Oko Chukwu, during a condolence visit by the Abia Governor, over the death of Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, in Ado-Ekiti.

As the Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji condoles with the Government and people of Ekiti State over  the death of the State’s Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmi Olayinka, Governor Kayode Fayemi has asserted that the roles played by the late Deputy was not that of “a spare tyre” but a “strong pillar” that held firmly the transformation agenda of the State.

The Governor who received Orji in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday said the late Mrs Olayinka was not just central to the transformation agenda of the State but also was loyal and supportive of all the works that the present administration had pledged to do on behalf of the people of the State.

Dr. Fayemi added that the late Deputy Governor at the point of death was still passionate about seeing the administration deliver on its promises to the people because she had always been concerned about relieving people of their pains even as the administration was poised to banish the pains caused by poverty from the State.

“She was a strong pillar to the work we are doing in the state, she was very central to it and loyal and supportive of all the work that we pledged to do on behalf of our people. She gave it her best; she was full of zest, life even at the point of excruciating pain that she experienced from the debilitating ailment that she suffered from ,she was more concerned and interested in relieving others of their pain rather than focusing on what she was going through herself. We thank God for her life of service and sacrifice”, Fayemi said.

He stressed that Olayinka’s life of service would be greatly missed not only by the administration but also by  the people of Ekiti State whom she served selflessly.

Earlier, Governor Orji had described Mrs Olayinka as an amiable woman who represented Ekiti State very well among the comity of States.

Orji who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and some of  members of the State Executive council, said he knew the state government made concerted effort to ensure that Olayinka survived the ailment, adding that it was apparent her time was up.

The Governor added that Abia State also shared in the pains of her loss because of the patriotic being the late Deputy Governor was.  He added that the state would be adequately represented at the burial slated for April 26^th in Ado-Ekiti.

“I know your government did everything possible to save her but it was just that her time was up. But we are here to condole you. Your Excellency I know what you feel now but take heart, it is one of those things we will see in this life. As my friend, we are here to show solidarity. Abia state mourns for your deputy. We feel for you and your state,”Orji said.

Last modified: April 17, 2013