The ex-deputy governor died on Friday night after a brief illness. He was 78.

Fayemi, the former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), described Egbeyemi’s death as a rude shock and a great loss to Ekiti State and Nigeria.

He described Egbeyemi as a loyal and diligent political leader, who contributed to their administration’s successes and Ekiti State’s development.

Fayemi said: “I’m deeply saddened by the news of the death of Chief Egbeyemi. He was a remarkable political leader, who was selfless and motivated by the common good of the people.

‘’We worked closely for four years and I could not have had a better deputy. He was devoted, committed, outspoken and unwavering in his support of our vision for a stable and prosperous Ekiti State, built on the ‘Omoluabi’ values that are the hallmark of our state.

“Otunba Egbeyemi was a devoted family man. He was kind, cheerful, generous and full of wise counsel. He often put the needs of others ahead of his own and was a consummate politician, who placed people at the centre of his politics.

‘’His passing is both shocking and saddening. A good man has gone home. It is a great loss for the people of Ekiti State and Nigeria. Nonetheless, we take comfort in the knowledge that he lived a good life and made an indelible impact that will be remembered for generations to come.

‘’On behalf of my wife, Bisi, and our entire family, my condolences go to the Egbeyemi family. We pray for a sweet repose of his soul and wish the family the courage and fortitude to bear this loss.”

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, has described as shocking, the death of Otunba Egbeyemi.

In a statement at the weekend by his media aide, Ifedayo Sayo, the minister said Egbeyemi’s death was not only a personal loss, but that of the state, as the deceased served Ekiti with honesty and dedication to duty in all political appointments held by him.

Ekiti Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye has described the death of her predecessor, Chief Egbeyemi, as shocking, sudden, painful and devastating to the government and people of the state.

Afuye who spoke Sunday in Ado-Ekiti during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased described the late Egbeyemi, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti, as a progressive politician, who valued integrity and contributed to the development of the state in many ways.

Egbeyemi was ex-chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government.

The deputy governor urged the family to take solace in the remarkable achievements in terms of contributions to the building of Ekiti in all facets by the deceased.

Afuye, who was received by the deceased’s daughter,  Bolaji Olagbaju, said Egbeyemi’s progressive instinct had etched his name in gold “as one leader with penchant for honesty, sacrifice and team spirit.

“Chief Egbeyemi was outstanding in leadership, as exemplified in his charismatic leadership as Ado-Ekiti council boss, a deputy governor, as well as a community leader, who held the traditional title of Otunba of Ado-Ekiti.

“I pray that the good Lord will uphold and console his immediate family, Ado-Ekiti citizens and the entire Ekiti people over the tragic loss of this grassroots politician. May God grant his soul eternal rest.”

The deceased’s daughter thanked the deputy governor for the visit.