The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) controlled Ekiti government will name an important structure after the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, who died on Saturday, April 6.
Chief Jide Awe, the Chairman of the state chapter of the party, made the remark while briefing newsmen in Ado Ekiti on “The Stand of ACN on the late deputy governor's death”.
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Awe described late Olayinka as a strong pillar of support for the party and government.
He said Olayinka had already immortalised herself by raising the standard of politics in the state to an enviable height.
“There will be one or more monuments that will be named after late Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka by the Ekiti State Government for her numerous contributions and supports to politics.”
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Awe debunked the rumour making the rounds that the deputy governor's death was spiritual, saying that she died of cancer.
When asked to comment on the nature of Olayinka’s death, Awe said, “for us in the ACN, we all know, she battled with cancer but could not survive it.”
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He described her death as a “big blow to Ekiti ACN and Nigeria as a whole, adding “this is indeed a sad moment in the history of Ekiti’’.
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“We want to tell you that we will miss her for a very long time to come,” the party chairman said.
Meanwhile, Rep. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, has described Olayinka’s death as “devastating''.
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In a statement, the lawmaker expressed shock and disbelief over the sudden death of the deputy governor.
“Her death is very devastating and sad. In fact, I am short of words,’’ she said.
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The lawmaker said the late deputy governor was a loyal and hardworking deputy to her governor as well as to the people of Ekiti.
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She said Olayinka’s death at a time the state was witnessing tremendous growth and development was very sad.
Dabiri-Erewa said the late deputy governor would be remembered for her humility and reservation as well as emancipation of women.
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“I condole with her husband, family, government and people of Ekiti over her demise,’’ she prayed. (NAN)
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