Newsonspot reports that Barrister Olaniyi Ijalaye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State, has tragically passed away after collapsing in his hotel room.
According to reports, he slumped in Abuja on Monday August 19, 2024 evening after attending a meeting with other RECs at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, Abuja.
Though official announcements from INEC or Ijalaye’s family have yet to be made, a source within the commission confirmed to TVC News that Ijalaye slumped and died shortly after the meeting. According to the source, the REC had returned to his hotel room at Bon Octagon Hotel in Abuja when the tragic event unfolded.
The cause of his death remains unknown.
The meeting, presided over by INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, was focused on the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as deliberations on seven vacant positions in the National and State Assemblies.
Ijalaye, a native of Ondo State, was reportedly in good spirits and actively participated in the discussions before the unfortunate incident later in the evening.
His sudden death has left colleagues and the electoral community in shock as they await further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his demise.
