INEC mourns, confirms death of Ogun REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed sadness over the death of Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olaniyi Ijalaye.

Ijalaye reportedly slumped and died in Abuja on Monday evening after a meeting of RECs at the Commission’s headquarters.

He was said to have returned to his hotel room after the meeting before the incident occurred.

It was gathered that the deceased was lively throughout the Commission’s meeting but later slumped at his hotel in the Federal Capital Territory.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement on Tuesday, described Ijalaye as a man of integrity, hardworking, and conscientious.

The statement read: “It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces the death of Mr. Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State, on Monday, August 19, 2024, after attending the regular quarterly meeting of the Commission in Abuja.

READ ALSO: Ogun REC slumps, dies after meeting in Abuja

“Mr. Ijalaye, who hails from Owo, Ondo State, was born in 1958. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1982 and was called to the Nigerian Bar (B.L) in 1983. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) from the same university in 1995.

“Until his demise, Mr. Ijalaye, who assumed duty on 23rd February 2022, worked with integrity and was hardworking and conscientious.

“The Commission extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and prays that God grants him eternal rest.”