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, 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.
Also, the Chairman and members of the State Executive of All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State said they received with rude shock the sudden death of Afuye.
Afuye, was until his passing in the evening of Wednesday, October 19, 2022 the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, a position he enjoyed on the platform of the APC.
The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said Afuye had been actively involved in the party and state activities, especially the smooth transition of government from John Kayode Fayemi to Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and had hitherto shown no sign of failing health.
“Words are inadequate for us to express our feelings at this period. Our party and the entire State are suddenly thrown into serious mourning at a period of celebration. Afuye was a leader and statesman who had been leading the legislative arm of government from the front. Shall we talk about his selflessness and courage with which he was leading the House? Shall we talk of his progressive spirit or intelligence and eloquence? Shall we talk about his conduct both in private and in public? Afuye should not have left us at this time that we need his experience most.
“Ekiti and the entire Nigeria have no doubt lost a bold and persuasive personality. His legacy will always remain with us. The deep sympathy of our dear party is hereby conveyed to the members of the Afuye family, his Ikere hometown, close friends and colleagues, not forgetting the entire state that has been thrown into mourning.
“There is a lot to learn about the life and times of our departing Comrade. Rt. Hon. Afuye was not a political neophyte, neither was he an accidental Speaker of the House, yet he was both calm and resolute. We were fortunate to have him in the House of Assembly and as the Speaker of the House at a time when we need stability in the State most. Afuye’s leadership served to enlighten us that the courage one puts into life and living matters more than the years one has lived.
“Afuye did not run a House of Commotion. Rather he ensured that the House of Assembly under his watchful eyes displayed maturity and ensured good governance, without putting any stumbling block in the stead of the executive. And it was not a rubber-stamping legislative arm either.
“Afuye was a two-term Commissioner and two-term legislator, yet he remained focused and contented, recording no scandal either for himself or the house he led.
“We regarded Afuye as a strong political force. While some deployed their power and position to damage, degrade or extract short term profit, he used his experience to strengthen and smoothen democratic values, and to advocate for a stable and developmental society.
“Those who have the privilege of working with our deceased comrade in his active days will attest to his doggedness, militant attitude and total engagement on the side of civil society in furtherance of democratic causes.
“We will remember Afuye as the very friendly and humble person he was, for his intellectual disposition and genuine conviction to engage the people always.
“We are deeply saddened. The pain is skin deep. Though we cannot question God or mourn our departed brother enough, we have decided to suspend all official engagements for now until further notice, and stand with everyone to ensure that our departed brother gets a befitting burial that he deserves. May his gentle soul rest well in the bosom of his creator,” the party said.
