By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

The mother of the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, has died at the age of 97.

A statement announcing her demise was signed by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Olori Adegboye, a native of Ikere Ekiti in Ikere Local Government Area of the state, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday after a protracted illness.

“With hearts full of praise and glory to Almighty God, we announce the passing of our matriarch, Olori Iyalaje Adegboye of the Akayejo Ruling House of Ikere Kingdom.

“She passed away in the early hours of today (Tuesday) at the ripe age of 97 years.

“She is survived by extended family members, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“Burial arrangements will be announced later,” the statement said.

Mrs. Afuye described her late mother as a caring and resourceful community leader, whose absence will be deeply felt.

She added that the entire Ikere Ekiti community and the Akayejo Royal Dynasty would fondly remember Mrs. Adegboye for her invaluable contributions to community development and her dedication to fostering unity in the town for accelerated progress.

She prayed for God to grant her mother eternal rest and to sustain the family she left behind.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, commiserated with his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Afuye, over the passing of her mother.

Governor Oyebanji described Madam Adegboye’s death as painful but expressed joy that she lived a dignified and impactful life, leaving a positive influence on her Ikere Ekiti community.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, on Tuesday, Oyebanji extended his condolences to the Deputy Governor, her siblings, and the entire Adegboye Royal Dynasty.

The Governor described the late Madam Adegboye as an honest and resourceful community leader who contributed immensely to the growth of Ikere Ekiti, particularly in the areas of women’s mobilization and empowerment.

Oyebanji noted that the deceased’s good deeds were reflected in the qualities of her children, who, he said, are excelling in their chosen careers while displaying virtues of loyalty, honesty, and reliability.

The Governor prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, her siblings, and the entire Akayejo Ruling House of Ikere Ekiti on the passing of this quintessential community leader.

“Mama evidently lived a good life and left behind legacies of selfless service, diligence, and loyalty. I urge Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, and the entire family to take solace in Mama’s exemplary and impactful life.

“History will continue to be kind to Mama for her contributions to women’s mobilization and emancipation in all respects. May God grant her eternal rest,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji paid a condolence visit to the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, this afternoon at her official residence within the Government House Complex in Ado-Ekiti.