The Ondo State Rainbow Coalition Movement received with deep shock and profound sadness the news of the passing of our illustrious brother, a distinguished son of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, Dr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi, who departed this world on Saturday, 24th October, 2026 at the age of 55.
Dr. Osunyikanmi was not just a politician; he was a scholar, a technocrat, and a patriot who gave his all to Ondo State and Nigeria.
Born on 3rd August, 1971 to the family of Pa Christopher Kehinde Osunyikanmi in Ile-Oluji, he distinguished himself early in academics. A product of Orere Grammar School, Ile-Oluji, he obtained his http://B.Sc in Political Science from Ondo State University (now EKSU) in 1997, http://M.Sc from University of Ibadan in 2001 and Ph.D from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko in 2008.
His public service trajectory was remarkable:
- Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs to Governor Olusegun Mimiko,
- Commissioner for Education, Ondo State (2010-2011) where he established the Education Quality Assurance Agency and championed reforms that sanitized private schools,
- Special Adviser to the President on International Relations (2011-2013),
- Director-General, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (TAC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2013-2023) — appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 and reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018. In that capacity, he projected Nigeria’s soft power by deploying Nigerian professionals to Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries for 10 unbroken years.
Dr. Osunyikanmi was one of the most trusted confidants and strategic pillars of the Mimiko administration, yet he was a man who transcended party lines — a true Rainbow man. His humility, intellectual depth, and calm mien endeared him to all.
His death at 55 after a protracted illness is not just a loss to Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, but a monumental loss to Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
On behalf of the entire leadership and members of the Ondo State Rainbow Coalition across the 18 Local Government Areas, and MATO mandate group, I commiserate with his beloved wife, Prof. Adebukola Osunyikanmi, his children, the entire Osunyikanmi family, the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, the people of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, and former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
May God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu, a brilliant academic.
Adieu, a seasoned administrator.
Adieu, a patriot.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Signed:
Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya
Chairman, Ondo State Rainbow Coalition.
27th October, 2026.
