Buhari, govs mourn Ekiti speaker

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined 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, in a statement issued Thursday by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, 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.

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“He served the state and its people diligently and devoted his life to uplifting the 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.

The governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said Afuye’s death was shocking, sad and unfortunate.

The governor directed that state functions including the swearing-in of the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney General, as well as a thanksgiving service, earlier slated for this week be postponed indefinitely in honour of the late speaker.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, also described the late Afuye as one of the illustrious sons of the state who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ekiti State during his lifetime.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, also said the death of the Ekiti State House of Assembly speaker was a huge loss to the Body of Speakers in Nigeria.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency FERMA, Hon. Femi Bamisile described as a rude shock, unimaginable disaster and unbelievable and unexpected news of the death of the speaker.