Biodun Oyebanji: Funminiyi Afuye’s death shocking, sad, unfortunate

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji extended his condolences on Thursday following the death of Mr Funminiyi Afuye, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who passed away on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti at the age of 66.

The Governor described Afuye's death as startling, tragic, and regrettable in a statement released by his chief press secretary, Yinka Oyebode.

Afuye's death, according to Oyebanji, was incomprehensible because he was with the Governor's entourage on Tuesday on an inspection trip of a few projects in Ado-Ekiti and had no symptoms of illness.

The Governor claimed that when he learned that the late Speaker had been taken to the hospital early on Wednesday morning, he was astounded. The Governor said he was convinced that Hon Afuye would leave the hospital hale and hearty in view of the medical attention he was receiving when he paid him a visit at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Intensive Care Unit, ICU, Wednesday afternoon.

The statement reads: “I was speechless when the news of Hon Afuye’s death came later in the evening.

“Ekiti lost an illustrious son, a perfect gentleman and a champion of democracy and rule of law. My heart bleeds over the loss of this great leader who was a great friend and brother indeed.

“On behalf of myself, my wife, the Government and the good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Afuye family and the people of Ikere Ekiti. May the good Lord give everyone of us the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Oyebanji, who prayed God to console the family of the deceased and the entire Ekiti people on the irreparable loss, also declared a day of mourning for the departed statesman and directed that state functions including the swearing-in of the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney General, as well as a thanksgiving service, earlier slated for this week be postponed indefinitely in honour of the late Speaker.