2nd April, 2013
Senator Babafemi Ojudu has debunked the rumour making the rounds that the ailing Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Funmilayo Olayinka, is on life support machine, adding that she is fast recovering.
It was reported by a soft sell magazine that Chief Mrs Olayinka is battling for life and presently on life support machine.
She was said to be suffering from a chronic cancer and has not been seen in the public for about two months or thereabouts.
But the federal lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, denied the rumour during a chat with P.M.NEWS on Sunday evening.
He attributed the rumour to the handiwork of fifth columnists who are hell bent on causing confusion in the state.
“Who told them she’s on life support machine? Did they see her? The deputy governor is not on any life support machine and she’s fast recovering.
“Those who are saying she’s on life support machine should come out with their evidence. It is a wicked rumour and what I know is that she’s fast recovering,” he told our correspondent.
There has been growing concern in state over the continued absence of the deputy governor from official assignments in recent weeks.
Her last outing, P.M.NEWS reliably gathered, was on 7 January, 2013, at a prayer session to usher in the new year in her office and to put paid to the rumour that she had resigned as the deputy governor of Ekiti State on health grounds.
During the prayer session, the deputy governor charged workers in the state to cultivate the habit of giving gratitude to God in all situations and be dedicated to work this year so as to enjoy more blessings from God.
She thanked God for His protection over every worker for individual and collective achievements recorded in 2012 by all members of staff.
She added that civil servants are the engine room and the backbone of any government that wants to be successful, urging workers in her office to be more committed to their duties this year, adding that both God and men appreciate and reward diligence.
Mrs. Olayinka, 52, who became the deputy governor of Ekiti State in October 2010, when she was sworn in alongside the Governor, Kayode Fayemi, is a banker who holds a masters degree in public administration and a bachelor of business administration degree from Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma, USA.
—Jamiu Yisa