Buhari, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu mourn with family, Ekiti State Government over death of State Assembly Speaker Afuye
By GBENGA ADEOLA
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS EKITI SPEAKER, CALLS HIM SOLDIER OF DEMOCRACY
President Muhammadu Buhari joins the Government and people of Ekiti State in mourning the passing of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, who died on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, aged 66 years.
President Buhari said the late Speaker had distinguished himself as a key soldier for democracy and was widely admired as a humble grassroots political leader who relentlessly championed the interests of his people.
“He served the State and its people diligently and devoted his life to uplifting common good,” said the President.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and fortitude on the part of his family, friends, admirers and the entire people of the State in bearing the loss.
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described the sudden death of the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, as sad and unfortunate.
Asiwaju Tinubu in a statement from his Media Office signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman said the late Afuye was an astute political leader who served not only his State of Ekiti with honour, dignity and commitment to good governance but also showed uncommon fidelity to progressive politics and ideals.
He was one of the young turks in Afenifere and pro-democracy front during the struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
“The sad and unfortunate death of Funminiyi Afuye, one of our shining lights in the progressive family in the South West and Nigeria came to me as a shock.
No one could have imagined he would leave us so soon. He was very active and we indeed exchanged pleasantries at the inauguration of the new governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, only this past Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.
“I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife, children, the Government and people of Ekiti State, and his colleagues at the State House of Assembly. We should all take solace in the fact that Funminiyi Afuye played his role well and remained faithful till the end to the ideals of good governance and service to our people.
“His departure at this time is personally painful to me because of our long association over the years.
“I pray to God Almighty to comfort his loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest.”
SANWO-OLU MOURNS EKITI SPEAKER, AFUYE
…Commiserates With Governor Oyebanji, Lawmakers
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mr. Funminiyi Afuye.
Afuye died at the age of 66 on Wednesday at an undisclosed hospital, where he was rushed, following a brief illness.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, described Afuye, who represented Ikere Constituency 1 at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, as one of the illustrious sons of the State who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ekiti State during his lifetime.
The Governor described the deceased as a principled politician, progressive, loyal, trustworthy and committed member of the ruling party in Ekiti State.
He said the lawyer and human rights activist turned politician spent his life in the service of humanity, Ekiti State and Nigeria, especially as a Commissioner for Information, lawmaker and later Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor of the State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the entire members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly on the death of the Speaker.
He urged Governor Oyebanji, the deceased family, friends, and the entire people of Ekiti State to preserve the legacy of the deceased by immortalising the good name and the struggle of the late Speaker for Ekiti.
“On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and the entire people of the State on the demise of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye.
“Rt. Hon. Afuye was a committed public officer who served Ekiti State passionately and selflessly in different capacities. He did his best for Ekiti as a member of the executive and legislative arms of government. He was also a committed member of our great party, APC till his death.
”I pray that God would grant the soul of our beloved Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye eternal rest and comfort the immediate and political families and the people of Ekiti State he left behind,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
