Former Kwara Deputy Speaker, Ayeni, dies in auto accident
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Former Deputy Speaker of the Fourth Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Christopher Ayeni, tragically lost his life on Thursday in a fatal auto accident.
Western Post gathered that the accident occurred around 10:00 a.m., approximately 500 meters from Igbaja Junction in Ajase-Ipo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Initial reports suggest that overspeeding and lack of concentration contributed to the accident.
Eyewitnesses stated that multiple fatalities resulted from the collision, including another driver involved. The vehicles were identified as a grey commercial Sinoki truck (registration number T-17488LA) and a white Toyota Hilux pickup (registration number ARP545KY).
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Basambo Olayinka, confirmed the incident.
The statement detailed that five people were involved in the crash—three men and two women—all of whom sustained varying degrees of injuries. No fatalities were reported at the scene, with all victims rescued alive.
However, Ayeni succumbed to his injuries at a cottage hospital in Ajase-Ipo, where he had been taken for treatment. According to Basambo, two Android phones were recovered at the accident site and are now with the FRSC, while two bags are in the custody of the Nigeria Police at the Ajase Division.
Reacting to the incident, Kwara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Sunday Fagbemi, described Ayeni’s death as a great loss. Prince Fagbemi expressed deep shock over the accident, which occurred while Ayeni was en route to Ilorin.
A civil engineer turned politician, Ayeni held multiple public offices, including Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Secretary of the APC in Kwara State.
He also served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, and was the Akogun of Isapa Land in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state until his death.
“CT Ayeni will be remembered for his forthrightness, especially his role in the last local government election, which underscored his dedication to public service,” Prince Fagbemi said. “I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, the Isapa community, Ekiti Local Government Area, the Kwara State House of Assembly where he once served, and the APC family in Ekiti and Kwara South.”
Prince Fagbemi prayed for Ayeni’s soul to rest in peace and for God to grant strength to his family, friends, well-wishers, and the Isapa community to bear the irreplaceable loss.
