Babatope Okeowo 
The late Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State, Sir Olaniyi Olaleye Ijalaye, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Owo, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Speaking at the funeral service held at the Cathedral of Faith, Fajuyi Road, Owo, Ondo State, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the deceased as a trustworthy and astute administrator who served humanity diligently in both the private and public sectors.
Abiodun said the late Sir Ijalaye meticulously supervised elections in Kogi, Osun, and Ogun States by observing democratic norms and ethics.
He said, “He was a distinguished public servant, whose commitment to the discharge of his duties endeared him to the people.
“He adhered strictly to democratic norms, and his contributions as a disciplined Resident Electoral Commissioner in our dear State were invaluable and commendable.
“No doubt, Mr. Ijalaye’s exit creates a profound loss that is quite beyond human comprehension and is truly heart-rending.”
The governor noted that the late Ijalaye lived a simple and impactful life; hence, his death is not a time to question God, who knows the end from the beginning.
While urging the wife, children, and other members of the deceased’s family to take solace in the fact that Sir Ijalaye lived a life worthy of emulation, the governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olayide Adelami, who also spoke at the service, said that though the death of the Ogun REC was a rude shock to many, all must know that death is inevitable, as no one knows when it will happen.
He described the late Sir Ijalaye as a total man who reached the peak of his career in the private sector before delving into public service, calling on the living to always reflect on their lives and make amends where necessary.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, who was represented by Prof. Kunle Ajayi, eulogized the late Ogun REC for his meritorious service to his fatherland, adding that though his death is painful, he served humanity with utmost dedication.
The Retired Archbishop of Ibadan Methodist Diocese, the Most Reverend Kehinde Stephen, in his sermon, described the deceased as a philanthropist, a cerebral human being, and a strategic planner who, though not an ordained minister, played a pivotal role in the administration of the Church.
The clergyman said the late Ijalaye was a man of peace who did not shirk his responsibilities as a public servant and a family man, calling on the family to follow in his footsteps.
Prince Abiodun also visited the palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, to commiserate with him on the demise of the late Ijalaye.
He said the deceased REC died in active service while serving in Ogun State.
Sir Olaniyi Olaleye Ijalaye, 65, died last month in Abuja while attending a meeting of RECs convened by INEC.
