Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State is mourning the demise of Barrister Niyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State.

The late Ogun REC reportedly died Monday evening in Abuja after attending a meeting convened by the Commission at its headquarters.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, commiserated with the bereaved family over the tragic loss.

He also condoled INEC for the loss, saying Ijalaye’s death came to him as a rude shock.

Abiodun described the late REC as an honest, committed, and cerebral public servant with a high level of humility and patriotism, as well as an exemplary, uncompromising nature.

He therefore prayed for the repose of his soul and the necessary fortitude for his immediate family, friends, and colleagues to bear the irreplaceable loss.

“I sympathize with the entire Ijalaye dynasty, the people, and the government of Ondo State on the passing of their great and illustrious son. Indeed, Barrister Ijalaye was an exemplary figure of diligence, commitment, and honesty in public service.

“While his death came as a rude shock to us in Ogun State, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life of integrity and indelible impact; may God rest his soul and protect the family he left behind,” the statement read.