The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Ogun State for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Niyi Ijalaye, has passed away. The Ondo-born REC reportedly collapsed and died on Monday evening in Abuja after attending a meeting at the INEC headquarters.
Sources close to the Ogun State INEC office revealed that the unfortunate event occurred after Mr. Ijalaye had returned to his hotel room, following the meeting. He had been actively involved in discussions during the session held at the Commission’s headquarters, which was chaired by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Witnesses noted that Ijalaye was seen dressed in a blue-striped kaftan and a red cap during the meeting. According to the source, “He was very involved in all the discussions throughout the meeting before he went back to his hotel room where the incident happened.”
The meeting centered on two off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for Edo and Ondo States, as well as discussions on seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies.
Niyi Ijalaye was appointed as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State in March 2022, taking over from his predecessor, Olusegun Agbaje, who was transferred to Lagos State. His sudden death has left many in shock, but INEC has not yet released an official statement regarding the matter.
