Abuja, Nigeria – August 15, 2024: The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olaniyi Ijalaye, has tragically passed away after collapsing shortly following an official meeting in Abuja. The incident occurred on the evening of August 14, 2024, leaving colleagues and officials within INEC in shock and mourning.
Ijalaye, who had been a key figure in overseeing the electoral processes in Ogun State, was reportedly in Abuja for a high-level meeting concerning upcoming electoral activities. According to sources, Ijalaye suddenly slumped after the conclusion of the meeting. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead soon after.
The cause of his collapse has not yet been officially disclosed, though it is understood that he was in good health prior to the incident. Medical personnel who attended to him have not released further details, pending an official autopsy report.
Olaniyi Ijalaye was highly regarded within INEC for his dedication and commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Ogun State. His passing is seen as a significant loss not only to INEC but also to the broader electoral system in Nigeria. Colleagues and officials have been paying tribute to Ijalaye, praising his professionalism, integrity, and the pivotal role he played in managing the electoral process in his state.
In the wake of this sudden loss, INEC is expected to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps and to ensure that the electoral activities in Ogun State remain on track. The commission is also anticipated to issue an official statement in the coming days, outlining the contributions of Ijalaye and the impact his death may have on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections.
The family of Olaniyi Ijalaye has requested privacy during this difficult time, and arrangements for his funeral will be announced in due course.
This tragic event underscores the pressures and challenges faced by electoral officials in Nigeria, particularly in the lead-up to major electoral exercises. The passing of Olaniyi Ijalaye is a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice made by those working within the electoral commission to uphold the democratic process in the country.
