The Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has declared one week of mourning in memory of the late Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr Taiwo Oyekanmi, who was murdered in cold blood by suspected armed robbers in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Wednesday.
Oyekanmi, an accountant in the governor’s office, was shot dead by gunmen who hijacked the bullion truck he was accompanying and carted away an undisclosed sum of money belonging to the state government.
Abiodun also ordered the national flag to be flown at half mast in honour of the late accountant.
In commemoration of the late accountant, Abiodun also directed that the national flag be flown at half mast.
The governor made the declaration shortly after presenting the 2024 budget before the State House of Assembly, on Thursday.
Abiodun called the event that resulted in Oyekanmi’s death “devastating” and “sad” in his remarks prior to reading the budget.
He promised that justice will be served to those responsible for the horrible deeds.
The governor had earlier visited Oyekanmi’s family to offer condolences and had promised that his administration would assume full responsibility for the family’s welfare.
He promised that every effort will be made to bring the murderers to justice, stating that the killing has devastated the Governor’s Office and the whole state workforce.
“How could we imagine yesterday morning that we will be here this morning condoling with this family.
“We are all heavily burdened, the pain not describable. He left us asking questions since yesterday afternoon.
“Taiwo was very hardworking, very dedicated, diligent, honest, unassuming, a man who loved God, who served God, very humble. He was very concencious.
“Let me assure you that we will do everything within my power to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book.
“I will not leave any stone unturned until these criminals are arrested and dealt with; that much I also promise.
“I want to assure the members of his family, particularly his wife and children, that we will not leave you.
“We will take full responsibility for your welfare and for your wellbeing,” Prince Abiodun said.
He said that Oyekanmi’s passing was a tragic reminder that life is a journey and that everyone recognised and valued the life that the deceased had lived.
Tayo Oyekanmi, speaking on behalf of his brother’s family, stated that not only had the family’s ambitions come to an end but also that of the entire Ifonyintedo community in the state’s Ipokia Local Government Area.
In order to ease the family’s suffering, he implored the governor to find the individuals responsible for the murder as soon as possible.