EKITI DEPUTY GOVERNOR IS DEAD

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmilayo Aduni Olayinka, has died of cancer at the age of 52.

The deceased became the deputy governor on October 16, 2010 after working in the banking sector for quite some time.

The state government last night announced the death of the deputy governor. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Hon. Tayo Ekundayo, said, “With sadness but with gratitude to God, we announce the passing of the state Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, aged 52, after a tough but courageous battle with cancer. She died on Saturday (yesterday) evening.

“Mrs Olayinka, an accomplished banker and corporate sector player worked in the financial industry for 21 years before heeding the call of service in her home state of Ekiti when she was selected to serve on the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship ticket in 2007.

“She demonstrated exemplary courage and dedicated service to Ekiti people both during the struggle to retrieve the stolen mandate and in her position as deputy governor.

“She is survived by her husband and children as well as aged parents and siblings,” Ekundayo said.

Born in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on June 20, 1960, she attended Holy Trinity Grammar School, Ibadan in Oyo State where she obtained her first school leaving certificate with distinction and proceeded to Olivet Baptist High School, also Oyo State, where she obtained her Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Mrs. Olayinka had a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration [Marketing] from Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States in 1981 and 1983 respectively. She was a three-time winner of the Dean’s Honour roll.