Adebayo Adenrele
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Paul Omotosho and members of the State Executive have expressed rude shock on the sudden demise of Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Funminiyi Afuye.
In a statement made available to Newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the party noted that “Afuye, was until his passing in the evening of yesterday Wednesday 19 October 2022 the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly. A position he enjoyed on the platform of our party, APC. He had been actively involved in the party and State activities, especially the smooth transition of government from Dr. John Kayode Fayemi to Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and had hitherto shown no sign of failing health. Yet he has decided to leave us at the age of 66.
“Words are inadequate for us to express our feelings at this period. Our party and the entire State are suddenly thrown into serious mourning at a period of celebration. Afuye was a leader and statesman who had been leading the legislative arm of government from the front. Shall we talk about his selflessness and courage with which he was leading the House? Shall we talk of his progressive spirit or intelligence and eloquence? Shall we talk about his conduct both in private and in public? Afuye should not have left us at this time that we need his experience most.
“Ekiti and the entire Nigeria have no doubt lost a bold and persuasive personality. His legacy will always remain with us. The deep sympathy of our dear party is hereby conveyed to the members of the Afuye family, his Ikere hometown, close friends and colleagues, not forgetting the entire state that has been thrown into mourning.
“There is a lot to learn about the life and times of our departing Comrade. Rt. Hon. Afuye was not a political neophyte, neither was he an accidental Speaker of the House, yet he was both calm and resolute. We were fortunate to have him in the House of Assembly and as the Speaker of the House at a time when we need stability in the State most. Afuye’s leadership served to enlighten us that the courage one puts into life and living matters more than the years one has lived.
“Afuye did not run a House of Commotion. Rather he ensured that the House of Assembly under his watchful eyes displayed maturity and ensured good governance, without putting any stumbling block in the stead of the executive. And it was not a rubber-stamping legislative arm either.
“Afuye was a two-term Commissioner and two-term legislator, yet he remained focused and contented, recording no scandal either for himself or the house he led.
“We regarded Afuye as a strong political force. While some deployed their power and position to damage, degrade or extract short term profit, he used his experience to strengthen and smoothen democratic values, and to advocate for a stable and developmental society.
“Those who have the privilege of working with our deceased comrade in his active days will attest to his doggedness, militant attitude and total engagement on the side of civil society in furtherance of democratic causes.
“We will remember Afuye as the very friendly and humble person he was, for his intellectual disposition and genuine conviction to engage the people always.
“We are deeply saddened. The pain is skin deep. Though we cannot question God or mourn our departed brother enough, we have decided to suspend all official engagements for now until further notice, and stand with everyone to ensure that our departed brother gets a befitting burial that he deserves. May his gentle soul rest well in the bosom of his creator.
