Glowing tributes have continued to pour in from political stakeholders, religious leaders, friends and associates for the late Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), Temitayo Oluwatuyi, over his painful death.

As these tributes became public, one could not help but be reminded of how expressions of loss and grief often follow the demise of great men and women. From high and low, from political leaders to the ordinary man, humanity mourns. In moments such as this, we are reminded of the ephemerality of life and united by shared sensations of loss, albeit felt differently.

Late Oluwatuyi was involved in a ghastly car accident on Sunday, December 15, 2024, while travelling to Ibadan and was subsequently hospitalised. Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Ondo State Governor

You came, you lived, you performed your God-given tasks and impacted life. You have decided to leave us at a time we never expected but God said it is time to come home. May you have rest at home in the bosom of your creator, Amen.

Habibat Adubiaro,

Secretary to the State Government, Ekiti State

On behalf of the Forum of Secretaries of the Government of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states, I express, my  profound sorrow over the loss of a colleague.

  Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi, your demise is not a loss to your family and the people of Ondo State alone but to us in the forum and to the APC.

Folashade Arike Ayoade,

 SSG, Kogi State

Hon Temitayo Oluwatuyi was a humble man to the core.

  With a deep sense of sympathy, we mourn the passing to glory of my dear brother and colleague, Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi.

  May the Lord comfort the government of Ondo State, youy wife, children, and  entire family. The Lord will give them all the fortitude to bear this great and  irreplaceable loss.

Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede

Chief Imam, Akure Kingdom

Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, you came to this world, you lived and you left the world with your humility and respect. May God Almighty be with your family and your people.

Olusegun Mimiko,

 former Governor of Ondo State

We mourn the untimely demise of Tayo Oluwatuyi (aka Tukana). You were an accomplished officer and a gentleman. Our condolences to your wife, the children, the governor, the government, the Akure community and Ondo State. May your gentle soul rest in peace.

Bishop J.K Opayinka,

PFN Chairman, Ondo State

 The entire Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, commiserates with the family of Hon. Oluwatuyi over the sudden departure of their father, brother, and son into glory.

         We pray that God console them and the people of Ondo State, and also encourage the children.

Hon. Oladiji Olamide

Speaker ODHA

 
  I received the news of your sudden death while I was outside the state. Your death is indeed a tremendous loss, not just to the state but to Nigeria as a whole.

  Who are we to question God? On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I sympathise with your  family. May your loved ones find solace in the memories of your good life and service, in Jesus’ name.

Ayodele Olawande,

Ministry of Youth Development

A father, a brother, and a soul much admired in all things. I spoke with you days before your untimely death, but we bless God for your life. Many cry over your exit, but God knows best. Love you so much.

Alonge O. Francis

Emeritus Bishop of Ondo Diocese

  
Your departure is a great loss to the world. Your last call

to me on Sunday morning around 9 am was never intended to be a farewell. Now, I
am left alone, helpless and without hope as I write this painful note.

I take solace in the fact that your time on earth was a blessing to me and humanity. I am aware that God is not surprised because He knows all things. Rest in peace, my great brother, helper and confidant.

Eyitayo Jegede, SAN

Tuykana, your early departure was tragic and sudden. Your life was exemplary, your humility and friendship were genuine. You were a gentleman in all your ways. Your brand of politics, which recognised the downtrodden, is a recurring lesson. Our prayer is that your soul finds rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire,

SAN

 

You lived a great and impactful life. Society will miss you. The Lord, our maker whom we cannot question, knows best. I pray that the family you left behind will continue to receive the Lord’s abundant grace and favour. Rest in peace.

The full list of tributes reflects the life of a man whose footprints on the sands of time will not be forgotten. Your legacy, service to humanity and humility continues to inspire those you left behind.

Gbenga Fasua

I know a thousand words won’t bring you back, I know because I have tried. Neither will a river of tears, I know because I have cried. When we were born, we cried when the whole world rejoice.     We should live our lives that when we leave, the world will cry like  the entire world is right now for the well-spent life you have lived and the lives you have touched. Till we meet to part no more my leader. Adieu

Prof. Williams Olu-Aderounmu

It is a triple loss to me as a descendant of the Ogbelemodu Olisa dynasty in Akure, an Akure man, and a member of the All Progressives Congress. I’m heartbroken and devastated by your untimely death. Throughout your life, as a student of Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure to the University of Lagos, you made your mark and left behind an indelible footprint.

 As chairman of Akure South Local Government, Commissioner, and two-time Secretary to the Ondo State Government, you overtly and copiously demonstrated enviable traits of honesty, hard work, leadership skills,  reliability and loyalty.

 You are a rare gem and  a man of high intellectual prowess without arrogance who stood by the Governor of Ondo State during his turbulent days.