By Ayodele Popoola

Glowing tributes continue to pour in as the immediate past Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Temitayo Oluwatuyi, embarks on his final journey.

At the lying-in-state ceremony on Friday held in honour of the late SSG at the Akure Local Government Secretariat and other locations in Akure, numerous dignitaries and sympathisers, particularly students, lined the roadsides, waving as his remains passed in a motorcade to pay their last respects.

In his address, the Chairman-elect of Akure South Local Government, Lade Fasua, described Oluwatuyi as a leader whose impactful life and enduring legacy would continue to inspire his followers.

Fasua emphasised that Oluwatuyi was not just a great leader but a man who had invested in people, leaving behind a lasting imprint on many lives.

He described the former SSG as a monumental figure whose contributions to the state and the nation would remain indelible. He pledged to uphold the ethos, principles, and honourable path that Oluwatuyi championed.

His words: “By the grace of God, a battle has been won. Yesterday, our hearts bled, but today, seeing the legacy and impact of our late leader, we must celebrate him.

“During his lifetime, he invested in people and made lasting contributions to many lives, including mine.

“To everyone in Akure South Local Government, its environs, and Ondo State at large who feels the same way as I do, our late leader is not truly gone—he lives on.”

Fasua announced that the newly elected Akure Local Government leadership and all councillors had unanimously agreed to name the great multi-purpose hall within the Secretariat premises after the late Oluwatuyi.

Similarly, former Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Olaniyi, in his remarks, commiserated with the Ondo State Government and the entire staff of Akure South Local Government.

Olaniyi stressed that Oluwatuyi’s legacy could never be erased in Akure and the state, as he lived an impactful life.

At the lying-in-state held at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure (OGSA), students, teachers, and alumni gathered in large numbers from various walks of life to bid a final farewell to their distinguished former student.

The school’s principal, Oluyide Adeniyi, described the event as a celebration of Tuykana’s remarkable life and legacy, which, he said, remains unparalleled.

Adeniyi highlighted Tuykana’s achievements and contributions to the school and the state’s development as a testament to the transformative power of education. He noted that Oluwatuyi’s impact on the institution and its people would continue to inspire and motivate them to strive for greatness.

He said, “As Secretary to the Ondo State Government, the late Oluwatuyi demonstrated unwavering commitment, unshakeable dedication, and relentless passion for public service. His tireless efforts to promote the welfare and well-being of the people will never be forgotten.”

Also speaking, the Global President of the Oyemekun Grammar School Akure Alumni Association, Niyi Ijogun, described Oluwatuyi as a blessing to the institution and the people in all respects, lamenting the painful loss.

Ijogun reiterated that Tuykana lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and commendation. He said Oluwatuyi would be remembered for his humility and dedication, qualities he had exhibited since his school days.

In his response, the son of the deceased, Babatunde Oluwatuyi, reaffirmed that his late father had touched many lives.

He urged his father’s followers to uphold his legacy of integrity and humility.

Among those present at the lying-in-state were political and professional associates, family members, and beneficiaries of the deceased’s benevolence.