The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed condolences for Olaniyi Ijalaye, the resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State.
Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday.
Ijalaye died on Monday, August 19, 2024, shortly after attending the commission’s quarterly meeting in Abuja.
The national commissioner stated that the late REC was recognised for his honesty, dedication, and hard work.
Olumekun conveyed the commission’s grief at the death.
“It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that the Independent National Electoral Commission announces the death of Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State, on Monday, August 19, 2024, after attending the regular quarterly meeting of the commission in Abuja.
“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, Ijalaye, who assumed duty on February 23, 2022, worked with integrity and was hard-working and conscientious.
“The commission extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and prays that God would grant him eternal rest,” the statement read.
Ijalaye, born in 1958 in Owo, Ondo State, was an experienced lawyer. He received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1982 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1983.
He later continued his studies at the same college, earning a Master’s degree in Law in 1995.
Ijalaye began his term as Ogun State REC on February 23, 2022.
