As the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, passed away on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti at the age of 66, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday joined the government and residents of Ekiti State in expressing their condolences.
The late Speaker, according to President Buhari, was a major defender of democracy and was well-liked for being a modest grassroots politician who steadfastly upheld the interests of his constituents.
“He served the State and its people diligently and devoted his life to uplifting common good,” the President said.
Similarly, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, yesterday, expressed shock and deep sorrow on the demise of the Speaker.
The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said Afuye’s death was shocking, sad and unfortunate.
Oyebanji said: “I was speechless when the news of 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.”