Committee of Friends Celebrates Late Ogun REC, Ijalaye

The late Sir Olaniyi Olaleye Babalola Ijalaye

The Committee of Friends is celebrating the life well spent of the late Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State, Sir Olaniyi Olaleye Babalola Ijalaye whose sudden death occurred in Abuja FCT in August.

Ijalaye, 66, died on 19 August 2024, after reportedly slumped in his hotel room following an Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) meeting in Abuja.

The late Ijalaye was from the family of the late Prof. Emeritus of Law David Adedayo Ijalaye of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State and late Mrs Eunice Adejoke Ijalaye

In a statement made available to the media on Wednesday, the Committee of Friends through Prince Fatai Olu Badewa Ekungba, described the late Ijalaye as a beloved companion when he was alive.

The Friends say in the statement that, “We’re saddened, while our hearts are wounded, bleeding and heavy for losing you to the Saints which is Heavenly gain.

“Your deeds on earth will forever remain in our memories.

“Sleep on our beloved friend and good night till we meet and part no more.”

The late Ijalaye was survived by his wife, Adebola Ijalaye, four children and grandchildren.

Meanwhile, the deceased will be buried on Thursday, 12 September with the funeral service holding at Methodist Church Nigeria, Owo, Fajuyi road, Owo, Ondo State, southwest Nigeria.

A Service of Songs/Night of Tributes will hold at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State on 10 September by 4pm. A Commendation Service has been slated for the Methodist Church Nigeria, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday 11 September by 9am, while Christian Wake Keep will hold at his residence at Rainbow Area, Ajasin Street, Owo, Ondo State by 5pm on the same Wednesday.

The Committee of Friends includes Otunba Taye Aruwajoye, Tade Aruwajoye, Mike Aruna-Ijalagba, James Aruna-Ijalagba, Bimbo Olatunde, Sir Oladipo Okpeseyi, SAN, Olatunbosun Oladimeji and Fatai Jimoh

Others are Gbenga Ilal, Tolu Fadahunsi, Surveyor (Chief) Niran Obayanju, Adewale Dairo, Dapo Osho, Pastor Aderinola Adewoyin, Tunde Makun, Babatunde Sunday Kayode Oladimeji, Barr. Kayode Fayemiwo and Lateef Balogun.