Funmilayo Olayinka

"Politics for me, and I believe a number of other new female entrants, is becoming more interesting. We aren’t part of the female politicians who were either marginalised or had no roles assigned to them. So, I will boldly say yes, I have being fairly treated not minding my gender."

"Everywhere you go, you play politics. If you are married and if you have more than a child, you must be a good politician to survive. We play politics everywhere – at home, even at workplace.”"

"She led a productive and focused life. Her advocacy for women’s rights, social justice and genuine development marked her out as a true progressive. Beyond that, she was such a sweet, gentle soul who ardently believed that we can reform our society for the common good."

"She was an excellent politician and a paragon of efficiency. She did not allow her position to change her. She was honest and humble"

"Funmi Olayinka was indeed the Moremi Ekiti. In the true tradition of the legendary Moremi, she gave her all in defence of our people. Indeed, there are bound to be many people who will insist that had she stayed away from politics and Ekiti, she probably would still be alive. Funmi would disagree with that. As a devout Christian, she believed we all have our appointed time with our Maker. In the six years that I was privileged to be her political partner and boss, she was never given to regrets. She was pleasant in disposition, but always business-like in work. She focused on our goal of bringing succour to our people in Ekiti with extra-ordinary dedication. I had no reason at any point to doubt her commitment, loyalty or integrity. She was stellar in the performance of the tasks assigned to her and she was clearly central to the success of our administration to date."

"She demonstrated exemplary courage and dedicated service to Ekiti people both during the struggle to retrieve the stolen mandate and in her position as Deputy Governor."

"We are using this medium to remember why Mrs. Adunni Olayinka passed on and this why we are giving free healthcare services particularly on breast cancer to the women because we believe that prevention is better than cure. I do all the preventive measures every year by going for all normal routine checks, I exercise regularly and that is why when people see me they comment that I look good."

"In a society where women are completely relegated to the background by culture, law and religion, Mrs Olayinka emerged a respected political leader through dint of hard work, sheer courage, unrelenting determination and unalloyed loyalty to principles. Thus, in the space of three years, she and your wife (Comrade Bisi) have encouraged and influenced our young women to discard prejudices and compete with their male counterparts on the basis of equality of opportunities. Mrs Olayinka was polite but firm, she was gentle but tough, she was friendly but strict. At all times she comported herself with dignity, grace and sartorial elegance. It is indisputable that Mrs Olayinka was an Omoluabi per excellence."