A tragedy occurred on Monday evening as Barrister ‘Niyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State, suddenly slumped and died in Abuja.
The incident reportedly took place shortly after a meeting of RECs held at the Commission’s headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a source at the Ogun State INEC headquarters, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, Barrister Ijalaye had just returned to his hotel room after the meeting when he collapsed.
The late REC, an Ondo-born administrator, was described as being in good spirits during the meeting, which focused on the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as filling seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies. The meeting, presided over by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was reportedly productive, with Barrister Ijalaye actively participating.
Photographs posted on INEC’s verified social media accounts show Barrister Ijalaye dressed in a blue striped kaftan and red cap, appearing lively alongside his colleagues. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Commission and the broader community.
Barrister Ijalaye was appointed as the REC of Ogun State in March 2022, following the transfer of his predecessor, Olusegun Agbaje, to Lagos State. His death marks a significant loss to INEC and the Nigerian electoral process, as he was deeply involved in preparations for upcoming elections.
As the Commission and his family come to terms with the loss, details surrounding the cause of death remain unclear.
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