Senator Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central) has described the late Ekiti Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, as "a woman of great insight who has contributed her quota the services of humanity".

Mrs. Olayinka, aged 52, died on Saturday after months of battling with cancer.

Saraki, in a press statement on Sunday, said he is "deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Her Excellency, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State after a protracted illness."

Saraki said: "Words are not adequate to express how deeply sorry I am over this devastating news. Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole has lost a rare gem to the cold hands of death. Her outstanding charisma and humility as a public servant and a Mother will be sorely missed.

"She was a woman of great insight who has contributed her quota to the services of humanity. Her death is a painful loss to the people of Ekiti State and her family. On behalf of myself and the people of Kwara Central Senatorial District, I extend my sincere condolence to Governor Kayode Fayemi, the people, government of Ekiti State and the Olayinka family. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through this moment of grief but with total submission to Almighty God."