Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has declared 3 days of mourning in the state following the death of six officials of the Nigeria Medical Association, Ekiti state chapter and a driver in a ghastly motor accident on Sunday, April 24 a few kilometres to Kaduna on their way to Sokoto to attend Nigerian Medical Association meeting.

The deceased persons were identified as Aladesanmi of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti; Oj Taiwo of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), NMA Secretary, Akinyele Lexy; Ogunseye of the Health Management Board (HMB); EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) President, Olajide, Adeniyi James of the FMC and a driver, Ajibola.

The governor, describing the deaths as the lowest point in the history of the state declared Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 26,27 and 28 respectively days of mourning and directed that all flags be flown at half-mast to the effect.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor noted that the death of the doctors is an eclipse of professional and intellectual figures, who lost their lives in active service to mankind, stating that “Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many.”

Fayose further said “Death of seven prominent indigenes of a State in one day and at the same period is a burden too heavy to bear and it is my prayer that God, who is the only giver and taker of live will give Ekiti people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The governor further noted that as it is God who gives and takes when he pleases, families, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, especially members of the NMA should take solace in Him.

“It is my prayer that tragic incident like this will not be witnessed in Ekiti State again and that God in His infinite mercies will console the families of the deceased.

“On behalf of my family, Government and people of Ekiti State, I express our heartfelt condolence for the loss of these promising sons of Ekiti and wish their families, friends and professional colleagues the continued support and guidance of the Almighty God,” the governor said.

Adebayo Emuleomo