'WITH manifest efforts to control his emotions, the husband of the late Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Lanre Olayinka, said his wife died peacefully in his hands on her hospital bed on Saturday.
"Her last moment was peaceful. Nothing dramatic. She died in my hands," he disclosed as the widower described the late deputy governor and ex-banker as "one in a million wife".
He added: "She was a sister, friend and confidant. I found her to be a very reliable, courageous and dependable partner. If I have to do it all over again, I will still marry her".
Olayinka would not want to recount details of his wife's illness. "It's painful recalling the course of her illness. I should be spared the ordeal of recounting it all. She, however, bore everything in her characteristic courageous disposition. She was a priceless jewel that will really be missed.
Recalling fond memories of their relationship, Olayinka said they met in their respective teen ages. "She was 17 and I was 19 when we met before we travelled out of the country to United States (U.S.) for our studies. There was never a dull moment in our relationship. She was an exciting woman to be with, strong in character and purposeful.
Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduni Olayinka (nee Famuagun) was born in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State in Nigeria on June 20, 1960. She attended Holy Trinity Grammar School, Ibadan, where she obtained her first school-leaving certificate with distinction. She subsequently proceeded to Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo State, Nigeria, where she obtained her Higher School Certificate (HSC).
She holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) from Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States. She was three times winner of the Dean's Honour roll.
The Guardian