The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suffered a devastating loss with the sudden passing of its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State, Niyi Ijalaye.
Ijalaye, a respected figure within INEC, succumbed to a medical emergency on Monday evening. According to reliable sources, he collapsed at his hotel room in Abuja shortly after attending a meeting of RECs at the Commission’s headquarters. The meeting, chaired by INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, focused on the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as the filling of seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies.
The news of Ijalaye’s passing came as a great surprise to colleagues and friends who had seen him appear in good health during the meeting. Just hours before the tragic incident, he was seen in a photograph shared on INEC’s social media, dressed in a vibrant blue striped kaftan and a red cap.
Ijalaye, a native of Ondo State, joined the Ogun State INEC office in March 2022, having previously served in Lagos State. This loss is a significant setback for INEC, as he was a valuable member of the Commission’s team. The Commission has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements.