Deji Falae died in the Associated Airline plane crash.

Family, friends, and associates of Deji Falae, the late Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, on Wednesday organised a candlelight procession for him.

Deji, son of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olu Falae, was one of the four officials of the Ondo government that died in a plane crash last week.

The Associated Airline plane was transporting the remains of former Ondo Governor, Olusegun Agagu, to Ondo from Lagos when it crashed at the Lagos airport shortly after take-off. 14 of the 20 people in the plane, including Deji, died in the crash.

Wednesday’s candlelight procession, which began at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, was organised by Deji’s siblings in conjunction with the staff of the Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The event, which began at about 6:00 p.m., was also attended by some artistes and political office holders; many of who wore black attires to mourn the dead.

An Akure-based artiste, who attended the ceremony, Tomogun Olubunmi, said the culture ministry witnessed tremendous development since Deji assumed office as its head.

“It is sad that we have to lose a man like Deji at this moment. His death has continued to bring sadness to many of us who had personal relationship with him when he was alive.

‘He is one of the finest gentlemen I have ever worked with. He is intelligent and very hardworking. While alive, he transformed the ministry of culture and tourism to an enviable position.

‘We artiste in Ondo state will miss him greatly because of his achievements”, Mr. Olubunmi said.