President Bola Tinubu has led the 36 state governors, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and other sympathisers to condole the People and Government of Ondo State over the passage of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi.
Oluwatuyi, who was popularly known as Tukana, died on Saturday, 16 days after he was involved in a road accident along the Ife-Ibadan Road last month on December 19.
The death of the two time SSG and a former Chairman of Akure South Local Government, was confirmed on Saturday by the state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, which described the deceased as a dedicated public servant who gave his best to the state.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed sorrow over the loss.
Praising the deceased’s diligent service, and for his soul, Tinubu noted his significant role in advancing Ondo State’s progress, stating: “The President believes Oluwatuyi served the people of Ondo State with unwavering dedication, providing the necessary backbone for policy coordination and implementation and significantly contributing to the state’s progress.”
Also, Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the death as a colossal loss to the state.
In a statement, party’s state chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin, said: “I mourn the sudden and untimely passing of Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, fondly known as Tukana.
“This devastating news is a monumental loss, not only to his family and loved ones but also to the entire people of Ondo State, the Sunshine State.
“As the Secretary to the Government of Ondo State, Tukana was an exemplary leader who embodied the principles of equity and fairness. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of our great state will forever be remembered and cherished.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government of Ondo State, and the people of the Sunshine State. May his gentle soul rest in peace. We will deeply miss Tukana’s presence, but his legacy will continue to inspire us.”
Also, the neighbouring Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke offered condolences to his Ondo state counterpart, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over the SSG’s passage.
In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, he described Oluwatuyi’s death as a rude shock, describing him as a vibrant and loyal servant of the people of Ondo state.
He condoled the deceased’s family, the Government and the People of Ondo state, adding that Oluwatuyi would be greatly missed.
Adeleke wrote: “I wish to commiserate with my brother, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state over the demise of the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi.
“Tayo Oluwatuyi in his lifetime was a vibrant and loyal servant of the people of Ondo state. His vacuum will be very difficult to fill.
“I extend my condolences to the immediate and entire Oluwatuyi family, the Ondo State Government and the people of Ondo state. No doubt Tayo Oluwatuyi will be greatly missed.”
Also Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, in his condolence letter to his Ondo counterpart and the chief mourner, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, praised Oluwatuyi’s professionalism, integrity, and stabilising role in government. He expressed his sympathy, describing Oluwatuyi’s death a great loss to Ondo State.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi, a consummate public servant, thoroughbred professional and highly conscientious individual.
“His imprints in and out of government in Ondo State have been nothing short of phenomenal.”
Besides, he commended Oluwatuyi’s role as a bridge between politicians and career officers, saying, “His stabilising role in government will be missed by all.”
He described Oluwatuyi’s death as a great loss to the government and the state at large and prayed for the repose of his soul.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Mr. Tayo Oluwatuyi, a consummate public servant, thoroughbred professional and highly conscientious individual whose imprints and strides in and out of the government in Ondo State have been nothing short of phenomenal.
The governor noted that “the news of his death came as a rude shock, but, as in all situations, we recognise that whatever deep affection and love we had for him pales into insignificance when placed side by side with the love of Almighty God, who has chosen this Yuletide period to call him into His bosom, and whose will remains inviolate.
“On behalf of the Southern States’ Governors, I want to sympathise with His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the entire good people of Ondo State over the sudden demise of Oluwatuyi.”
Closely on his heels, his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “The late Tayo Oluwatuyi was a patriot who gave his all to the service of Ondo State and its people. His contributions to the development of the state will not be forgotten,”
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described Oluwatuyi as a committed and hardworking public servant who made significant contributions to the development of Ondo State.
Also in his condolence message, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, sympathised with the Ondo State Government, the family, and the people of Ondo State, praying for strength to cope with the loss.
“This death is shocking and painful, but we can only submit to the will of God, who gives and takes life. I encourage Governor Aiyedatiwa and the family of Mr Oluwatuyi to be strong and courageous. It is my prayer that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he added.
Also, the Ondo State chapter of the APC, in a statement by its chairman, Ade Adetimehin, described the late SSG as an exemplary leader whose commitment to fairness and equity in his role as SSG would be remembered.
On its own, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) said that it received with shock and profound sadness news of Oluwatuyi’s death.
In a statement by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the forum sent its heartfelt condolences to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the family of the late SSG, and the people of Ondo State.
It prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, beseeching the Almighty to grant the government and his family the strength to bear the loss.
While announcing Oluwatuyi’s death on Saturday in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, Ondo State Government described Oluwatuyi as a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.
“He served with distinction and played a crucial role in the state government, working closely with the Governor and other top officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“Having served government in various capacities, including as Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Commissioner and twice as SSG, Hon. Oluwatuyi will forever be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the development of Ondo State.
“The government of Ondo State extends its deepest condolences to the Oluwatuyi family of Akure, friends, and associates during this difficult time,” he added.
An indigene of Akure, Oluwatuyi was appointed Secretary to the State Government by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on January 24, 2024. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu first appointed him as the SSG in 2020.
