The Southern Senators Forum has condoled Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, over the death of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye.

The forum’s chairman and the senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, described Afuye as “one leader that contributed immeasurably to Ekiti’s development through effective lawmaking and partnership with the executive.”

Bamidele, in a statement signed on behalf of the 51 Southern Senators on Thursday, described Afuye’s death as “shocking and excruciating’, saying the death of the Speaker left a big vacuum that will be herculean to fill in Ekiti State and within the progressive fold.

The senator further sympathised with the Ekiti State Government, Afuye’s family, and political associates on the loss of “this priceless leader, who gave his physical and intellectual resources to develop the state.”

He stated: “Hon. Funminiyi Afuye was one leader that had etched his name in gold in the building of Nigeria’s democratic institution.

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“He was patriotic and that necessitated why he put his life on the line fighting military junta as a member of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

“Since the advent of democracy in 1999, the late speaker had also contributed richly to entrench good governance and worked hard to fast-track deployment of the instrument of democracy to usher in development and make lives more rewarding for the citizens.

“This was a painful and regrettable death. May his soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

Bamidele, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, said the death of Afuye was a colossal loss to the people of Ekiti State, adding that the Speaker’s demise came at a time when the high responsibility of stabilising the newly inaugurated administration of Oyebanji was much thrust on him and his colleagues in Ekiti Assembly.

He, however, urged the Ekiti State Government to ensure the immortalisation of the late Speaker in recognition of his great sacrifice and immense roles in the political development of Ekiti State before his demise.

The Star