Ogun State INEC REC, Niyi Ijalaye, Slumps and Dies in Abuja
Ogun State INEC REC, Niyi Ijalaye, Slumps and Dies in Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Mr. Niyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State. Mr. Ijalaye reportedly slumped and passed away in Abuja on Monday evening, August 19, 2024. His death comes as a shock to colleagues and the broader Nigerian public, given his vital role in the nation’s electoral process.
Mr. Niyi Ijalaye, who had been actively involved in INEC’s operations and preparations for upcoming electoral activities, was in Abuja for an official engagement when the tragic incident occurred. According to reports from sources close to INEC, the REC was attending a meeting at the Commission’s headquarters when he suddenly collapsed. Despite immediate efforts to resuscitate him, including rushing him to a nearby hospital, Mr. Ijalaye was pronounced dead upon arrival.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, confirmed the news of Mr. Ijalaye’s passing in a brief statement. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Mr. Niyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State. Mr. Ijalaye was a dedicated public servant who served INEC and the people of Nigeria with distinction. His death is a significant loss to the Commission and the nation at large. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Mr. Niyi Ijalaye was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State by President Muhammadu Buhari in September 2022. Before his appointment, he was well-regarded as a seasoned legal practitioner with a wealth of experience in public administration and electoral management. Ijalaye’s tenure at INEC was marked by his commitment to enhancing the credibility and transparency of the electoral process in Ogun State.
Under his leadership, Ogun State witnessed several successful elections, including the 2023 general elections, which were widely praised for their efficiency and adherence to democratic principles. Mr. Ijalaye was known for his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring that the electoral process was fair and inclusive. He worked tirelessly to build trust in the electoral system, often engaging with stakeholders and the public to address concerns and improve electoral practices.
The news of Mr. Ijalaye’s death has elicited a wave of tributes from various quarters. Political leaders, colleagues, and members of civil society have expressed their shock and sadness at his sudden demise.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed his deep sorrow and paid tribute to Ijalaye’s dedication to service. “Mr. Ijalaye was an exemplary REC whose commitment to duty was evident in every task he undertook. He played a pivotal role in the successes we achieved in Ogun State during the last election cycle. His passing is a great loss to INEC, the electoral process, and Nigeria as a whole. We will miss his wisdom, experience, and unwavering dedication.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also expressed his condolences, describing Mr. Ijalaye as a man of integrity who contributed significantly to the state’s electoral integrity. “Ogun State has lost a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to uphold the principles of democracy. Mr. Ijalaye was a man of great character and commitment, and his contributions to our state will not be forgotten. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this time of grief.”
Civil society organizations involved in the electoral process also paid tribute to Mr. Ijalaye. The Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Idayat Hassan, remarked, “Mr. Ijalaye was a respected figure in the electoral community. His work in Ogun State set a standard for transparency and fairness. His sudden passing is a reminder of the immense responsibilities carried by those in public service, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
As of now, details of Mr. Ijalaye’s funeral arrangements have not been released. INEC has indicated that it will provide support to his family during this challenging time. The Commission also announced that it will be organizing a memorial service in Abuja to honor Mr. Ijalaye’s life and service to the nation.
Mr. Niyi Ijalaye was a distinguished legal practitioner and public servant with decades of experience. He served in various capacities within the legal and public administration sectors before being appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity, dedication to duty, and passion for democracy. His contributions to the electoral process in Ogun State and Nigeria at large will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy.
