The news of the death of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye has come as a shock to the Governor, ex-Governors, monarchs and the people of the State.
The Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, has described the news Afuye’s death as a devastating blow.
CEOAFRICA had reported that Afuye, who represented Ikere constituency 1 died at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), on Wednesday evening, after suffering from cardiac arrest.
Oyebanji said; “I was speechless when the news of Hon Afuye’s death came later on Wednesday evening. Ekiti lost an illustrious son, a perfect gentleman and a champion of democracy and rule of law. My heart bleeds over the loss of this great leader who was a great friend and brother indeed.’’
“On behalf of myself, my wife, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Afuye family and the people of Ikere Ekiti. May the good Lord give everyone of us the fortitude to bear this loss.”
The Ex-Governor of the State, Dr Kayode Fayemi in a statement on Thursday said Afuye death is a great loss to Ekiti people and the Country.
Fayemi described Afuye as ‘’a personal friend, an elder statesman, a selfless leader, an astute politician and a pro-democracy activist who fought relentlessly for peace, stability, and development of his fatherland.”
He continued; “While I mourn the painful exit of this great son of Ekiti, I am comforted by the fact that he played a crucial role in our history as a state and country, and he gave a good account of himself, writing his name in gold.’’
“I will forever cherish the memories of his participation in the struggle against military rule and his outstanding tenure as Speaker of the 6th Assembly. He was a fearless and dogged fighter who served the people with dedication, sacrifice, and diligence.”
The former Ekiti Governor, Chief Segun Oni, on his part said; ‘’Afuye belongs to the group of Omoluabi Ekiti, a very humble and an astute politician who has served Ekiti meritoriously In various political positions and speaker, adding that he has left behind a good legacy.’’
“The former governor, therefore, expressed his condolence to the deceased’s wife, children, family members, members of the state assembly, the government and all Ekiti people, praying that God should comfort us all.”
Also, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi in  a statement by his media adviser, Chief Ajibade Olubunmi, described Funminiyi Afuye, as a gentleman and an astute politician.
He said: ‘’The Alawe commiserate with the immediate family, particularly the wife of the late politician Mrs Titilayo Afuye who is a prominent daughter of Ilawe Ekiti and the Children as well other members of the Afuye lineage in Ikere Ekiti.”
‘’The Alawe prayed that God will grant the immediate family, the State Government and entire people of Ekiti State the fortitude to bear the great loss as well as grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.”
The Obaleo of Erinmope-Ekiti, Oba (Dr) Aikuraiwo Aniyi while saying his death was a rude shock and a huge loss to humanity said; “Just on Monday, the two of us were in the Governor’s Office to have separate meetings with the Governor. He still profusely apologized for his inability to attend my coronation ceremony because of his trip to South Africa, with a promise to visit me in my kingdom shortly.’’
“So, sad to know he is no more. Since we knew each other in 2012, he has been a great friend and elder brother. A very principled, humble and kind fellow.’’
“My condolences to his family and the entire people of Ikere and Ekiti in general.”