…Mimiko’s former ally, ex-political strategist passes on abroad

The political class in Ondo State and beyond has been thrown into mourning following the passing of a former Commissioner for Education in Ondo State and former Director-General of the Technical Aid Corps, TAC, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.

Dr. Osunyikanmi, a renowned academic, administrator and close political ally of former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, was reported to have passed on in the early hours of today in an undisclosed hospital abroad after a brief illness.

A distinguished scholar and public servant, the late Osunyikanmi served meritoriously as Commissioner for Education during the Mimiko administration, where he was widely credited for far-reaching reforms in the state’s education sector. He later served as Special Adviser on Political Matters and rose to become one of the most trusted confidants and strategic pillars of the Mimiko government.

His towering public service career reached its zenith at the federal level when he was appointed Director-General of the Technical Aid Corps, a federal agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saddled with deploying Nigerian professionals as volunteers to Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Described by associates as intellectually profound, loyal and deeply committed to the ideals of good governance and human capital development, Dr. Osunyikanmi was regarded as a bridge-builder whose influence traversed academia, politics and diplomacy.

His demise marks the end of an era for a generation of progressive politicians in Ondo State who saw in him a rare blend of scholarly depth, political sagacity and administrative competence.

Details surrounding his burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.