Councilllor Tayo Situ
The departed Nigerian born Mayor of Southwark in London, Tayo Situ died of Cancer, it has just emerged.
The Councillor died on Monday evening at about 11pm.
The news of his death has met most Nigerians in the United Kingdom with great shock while many have visited his residence and Southwark Town Hall to pay their last respect by signing the register.
Until his death, Mayor Situ was a staunch member of Christ Apostolic Church, (Ilderton Road Branch), In the London South East.
The news of his death was communicated to staff members of staff of Southwark Borough Townhall by a fellow colleague, Councillor Peter John, representing South Camberwell.
“It is with great personal sadness that I have to inform you of the death of our Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Tayo Situ, on Monday, May 9th, 2011, Councillor John said in a statement to all staff of the Council.
Councillor Tayo Situ
He told the Council staff members: “Although Tayo had been ill for a number of weeks, his passing is a grievous blow to his family, his friends and our borough.
He described him as a truly gentle man, who had fulfilled the role of Mayor of Southwark with real dignity, adding that the departed Councillor was so proud of the opportunity to serve his constituents and as the borough’s First Citizen.
Councillor Peter John further wrote on his internet blogspot while adorning Situ with his last respect:
“After our election victory last May I discussed with Tayo what role he might take on in the new administration, and persuaded him that it would be an honour for his Labour colleagues if he were to become the new Mayor and First Citizen of our borough. He agreed, and I know from every conversation which I had with him since last May that he regarded it as a great privilege to be the Mayor of Southwark, and undertook the role with genuine pride and dignity. He met people and took part in events which he thoroughly enjoyed – and which showed him to be a great representative for our community and borough2.
A councillor in Peckham since 2002, the Mayor came to the UK from Nigeria in 1985. He studied accountancy at South Bank University and ran his own business.
As a Councillor, his priorities were to see more jobs for local people and better services for the young and vulnerable.
“He lived locally and was a trustee and elder of his church. He was a devoted husband, father to five children and also a grandfather. His wife Mrs Abike Situ is consort and his son Michael is also a Councillor.
Lindsay Burns of South London Press(SLP) in a report described Councillor Tayo Situ as a dignified and gentle Mayor.
Culled from http://www.emnnews.com
