Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has described the death of his Ekiti counterpart, Oluwafunminiyi Afuye, as a huge loss to the body of speakers in Nigeria.

Mr Obasa stated this in a condolence message issued on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Afuye died on Wednesday evening at Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) after being rushed there over reported cardiac-related issues.

Mr Afuye, representing Ikere I Constituency, was elected as speaker of the sixth assembly in 2019. 

He had, between 2010 and 2014, served as Commissioner for Information during the first term of former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Mr Obasa said that the news of Mr Afuye’s death was more devastating, knowing that he was reportedly active and showed no sign of any illness days before his demise at age 66.

He described the late speaker as a ‘fine gentleman’ whose experiences had contributed to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The news of his death is more devastating because his state, Ekiti, just began a new dispensation; a change of baton requiring his experience as the head of the legislative arm of government.

“As a lawyer and former commissioner for information, Speaker Afuye understood his calling and served with dignity and respect.

“No doubt, he was loved by his people, just as he was loved by his colleagues.

“I have lost a dear friend, one who served humanity with passion. He will be sorely missed,” he remarked.

Mr Obasa commiserated with Me Afuye’s family, Ekiti government and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, urging them to take solace in the fact that Afuye made positive contributions to the growth and development of his state.

“On behalf of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I mourn the demise of this political leader. It is a hard one, but we have to remain strong for ourselves at this period,” he said.

The speaker prayed to Allah to give them the strength to bear the irreparable loss. 

(NAN)