The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared three days of mourning to honour the late Tayo Oluwatuyi, a former Secretary to the State Government, whose sudden death has left a void in the political fabric of the state. Popularly known as Tukana, Oluwatuyi passed away on Saturday at an undisclosed hospital following injuries from a recent motor accident along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
In a condolence visit to the family in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa, accompanied by members of the state executive council, described Oluwatuyi as a man whose contributions to Ondo State politics were nothing short of legendary. “He was a recurring decimal in the governance of Ondo State. The history of this state would be incomplete without mentioning his indelible impacts.”
The governor pledged the government’s support to the bereaved family during this “difficult time.” President Bola Tinubu joined the chorus of tributes, expressing his condolences through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In a carefully worded statement, Tinubu praised Oluwatuyi’s contributions, 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.”
The late SSG’s passing also serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, especially for public figures whose responsibilities often come at the expense of their well-being. While political tributes and declarations of mourning are pouring in, one can only hope that the promises of support for the family will extend beyond the usual ceremonial gestures.
In a country where road accidents claim countless lives annually, perhaps the most fitting tribute to leaders like Oluwatuyi would be a genuine commitment to safer roads and better emergency response systems.
