INEC mourns Ogun REC, Ijalaye

The Independent National Electoral Commission has mourned the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State, Olaniyi Ijalaye.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee INEC, Sam Olumekun, announced his death in a statement on Tuesday.

Ijalaye died on Monday, August 19, 2024, shortly after attending the commission’s regular quarterly meeting in Abuja.

The national commissioner noted that the late REC was known for his integrity, dedication, and hard work.

Olumekun expressed the commission’s sorrow over the loss.

“It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that the Independent National Electoral Commission announces the death of Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogun State, on Monday, August 19, 2024 after attending the regular quarterly meeting of the commission in Abuja.

“Ijalaye, who hails from Owo, Ondo State was born in 1958. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1982 and was called to the Nigeria Bar (B.L) in 1983. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M) from the same University in 1995.

“Until his demise, Ijalaye, who assumed duty on February 23, 2022, worked with integrity and was hardworking and conscientious.

“The commission extends its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family and pray that God would grant him eternal rest,” the statement read.

Born in 1958 in Owo, Ondo State, Ijalaye was a seasoned legal professional. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, in 1982 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1983.

He later pursued further studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s degree in Law in 1995.

Ijalaye began his tenure as Ogun State REC on February 23, 2022.