Prominent INEC official dies after meeting

Barrister Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State, has reportedly passed away in Abuja.

The incident occurred on Monday evening after Ijalaye had attended a meeting with fellow RECs at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters.

According to sources within INEC, Ijalaye returned to his hotel room at Bon Octagon Hotel after the meeting, where he suddenly collapsed. The meeting earlier in the day had focused on preparations for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as discussions on filling vacant legislative seats.

Ijalaye, originally from Ondo State, had shown no signs of ill health during the meeting and was described as being in good spirits. His untimely death has come as a shock to his colleagues and the wider electoral community.

Appointed in March 2022, Ijalaye served as Ogun State REC following the transfer of his predecessor, Olusegun Agbaje, to Lagos State. His tenure was marked by a strong focus on electoral integrity and operational improvements.

As the nation mourns his sudden loss, more information is expected to be released about the circumstances surrounding his death.