Former Ondo State Commissioner for Education and ex-Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps, Dr Pius Osunyikanmi, has died at the age of 55.

Osunyikanmi reportedly passed away on Saturday following a prolonged illness, according to a Starnews report citing a family source.

He was a former close associate and political adviser to ex-Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, with a career spanning education, public administration and national service.

Reacting to his death, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Constituency in Ondo State, Rotimi Akinwamide, expressed his condolences in a statement released on Saturday.

Akinwamide described the late Osunyikanmi as a respected indigene of Ile-Oluji, an accomplished academic and an experienced public servant who played a notable role in Nigeria’s political and administrative affairs.

He said the death was a significant loss to Ile-Oluji, the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, Ondo State and the people who had worked with the former director-general.

Osunyikanmi led the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps from August 15, 2013, to August 22, 2023. He was initially appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 and received a second appointment from former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

In his condolence message, Akinwamide noted that Osunyikanmi’s work in education, governance and national development would remain an important part of his legacy.

He also extended his sympathies to the deceased’s family, friends, political associates and the wider Ile-Oluji community, praying that they would find strength and comfort during their period of mourning.

Osunyikanmi’s death marks the loss of a former public office holder whose career included senior responsibilities in both Ondo State and the Federal Government.