The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described the death of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oluwafunminiyi Afuye, as a huge loss to the body of Speakers in Nigeria.
Dr. Obasa added that the news of Speaker Afuye’s death was more devastating knowing that he was reportedly active and showed no signs of illness days before his demise at age 66.
The Lagos Speaker, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, called Afuye, a “fine gentleman whose experiences have contributed to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The news of his death is more devastating because his State, Ekiti, just began a new dispensation, a change of baton requiring his experience as the head of the legislative arm of government.
“As a lawyer and former Commissioner for Information, Speaker Afuye understood his calling and served with dignity and respect. No doubt, he was loved by his people just as he was loved by his colleagues.
“I have lost a dear friend, one who served humanity with passion. He will be sorely missed.”
Obasa commiserated with the family of the late Speaker, the Ekiti State Government, and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures urging them to take solace in the fact that Afuye made positive contributions to the growth and development of his State.
“On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I mourn the demise of this political leader. It is a hard one but we have to remain strong for ourselves at this period.
“I condole the immediate family, the government and people of Ekiti State and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and I pray that Almighty Allah give us the strength to bear this loss, amin,” Obasa prayed.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
