The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ogun state, Niyi Ijalaye.
Independent National Electoral Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun confirmed Ijalaye’s death in a statement on Tuesday.
The late REC reportedly slumped in his hotel room in Abuja and died on Monday after attending a meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja.
The meeting with the RECs was the third regular consultative meeting of the Commission and focused mainly on preparations for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections scheduled for later in the year.
The statement reads: “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 19th August 2024 after attending the regular quarterly meeting of the Commission 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 Nigeria 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 pray that God would grant him eternal rest.”
