By Bisi Olominu

The time and season nobody knows, but God Almighty knows. When death comes suddenly, many ask questions. So the death of Temitayo Oluwatuyi brings many questions to many people, but who can question God’.

Glowing tributes have therefore continued to pour in from political associates, religious leaders, friends and beloved of the late Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Temitayo Oluwatuyi.

Late Oluwatuyi was involved in a ghastly car accident on Sunday, December 15, 2024 while on his way to Ibadan and died on January 4, 2025.

He was a dedicated public servant whose commitment and dedication to administrative coordination, policy advisory and implementation had a significant and everlasting impact in Ondo State.

The news broke in a shocking manner which caught many people unawares.

Speaking of his death, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said,” You came, you lived, you performed your God given tasks and impacted lives. You have decided to leave us at a time  like this to come home.”

Adding to this, the SSG, Ekiti State, Habitat Adubiaro, said” On behalf of the Secretaries of the Governments of the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled state, 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 only, but to us in the forum and the APC”.

To Folashade Arike Ayodeji, the SSG, Kogi State, Tayo Oluwatuyi was a humble man to the core, while to the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, Hon, Oluwatuyi came to this world, loved and left with his humility and respect.

Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, said.”We mourn the untimely demise of Tayo Oluwatuyi. 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.”

The Emeritus Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Bishop Frances Alonge, in his homily said,” Your departure is a great loss to the world. Your last call to me on Sunday morning around 9am 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”

In his words, Eyitayo Jegede said,” 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 recognized the downtrodden is a recurring lesson. Our prayer is that your soul finds rest in the bossom of the Lord.”

To Professor 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 and the University of Lagos, you made your mark and left behind an indelible footprint. As chairman of Akure South Local Government, you overtly and copiously demonstrated enviable traits of honesty, hardwork, leadership skills, reliability and loyalty. You were a rare gem and a man of high intellectual prowess without arrogance who stood by the Governor of Ondo State during his turbulent days”.

Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi was born to Ogbelemodu Olisa Dynasty in Akure 64 years ago. He attended Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure and the famous University of Lagos. He worked in a private company for some years and later became chairman of Akure South Local Government, Commissioner and two time Secretary to Ondo  State Government.

As the Secretary to the State Government,he demonstrated enviable traits of honesty, loyalty, hardwork and leadership, as he empowered many artisans in the State. He worked tirelessly for the people of Akure and those who came into contact with him. He was an enigma, a lover of his people.

Ondo State will miss you, the Akure people will miss you and all those who have benefited from you will miss you Adieu great leader.

The final rite of passage for the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi, is scheduled to hold from February 5 to 7, 2025. On Saturday, February 7, the deceased will be honored with a lying-in-state at the  International Event Centre (The Dome), to be followed by interment at Oshinle Quarters, Akure .

I condole the wife, children, the State and the entire family of Tayo Oluwatuyi. I pray such evil act will not happen in the State again.