Cathedral funeral for Southwark Mayor Tayo Situ

Cllr Situ, who had been unwell for several weeks, died on Monday 9 May, less than two weeks before his term of office as Mayor was due to end.

Council leader Peter John described Cllr Situ's death as "a grievous blow to his family, his friends and our borough".

"Tayo Situ was a truly gentle man, and fulfilled the role of Mayor of Southwark with real dignity," said Cllr John.

"He was so proud of the opportunity to serve his constituents and our borough as the first citizen. I know that all of our thoughts and prayers are with Tayo's family at this time."

A book of condolence has been opened in the reception area of Southwark Council's Tooley Street offices. The Mayor's office recently relocated to Tooley Street from Southwark Town Hall.

Tayo Situ came to the UK from Nigeria in 1985. He studied accountancy at London South Bank University and set up his own business.

Elected as a Labour councillor in Peckham in 2002, he was chosen to serve as Mayor for 2010-11.

His son, Michael Situ, was also elected to Southwark Council a year ago.

Cllr Situ's funeral will be held at Southwark Cathedral on Monday 23 May at 11am.

"Mayor Tayo Situ's death is a great loss to the local community here in Southwark which he has served faithfully and with great distinction as a councillor over many years and currently as Mayor," said the Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Christopher Chessun.

"I have been grateful for his strong support both personally as well as for the church and faith communities in the Borough. When I visited him recently whilst he was in hospital I was very moved by the courageous and dignified way he was coming to terms with life threatening illness drawing encouragement and hope from his family, many friends and deep Christian faith.

"I extend my sympathy to his family and to all those whose lives he touched in public life. I will remember him and his family in my prayers.'

Tributes to Cllr Situ have come from across the political spectrum. Bermondsey & Old Southwark MP Simon Hughes said: "It is a real tragedy that our borough's first citizen has lost his struggle with the illness that has so sadly prevented him from enjoying his year as Mayor of Southwark"

"Tayo's family and friends will I hope be comforted by knowing how many people are holding them in their thoughts and prayers at this time. We know that the family's strong Christian faith will support them as it supported Tayo in all that he did.

"There will of course be times for a civic public tribute. For now, we must give thanks for Tayo's public service, and share the sadness that he was taken from us at such an early stage and before his work was done."

The acting dean of Southwark, Canon Andrew Nunn, added: "Mayor Situ was a good friend to the cathedral and it was a joy to have him take part in the service of enthronement of the tenth Bishop of Southwark in March. We will hold him and his family in our prayers at this time."

The Mayor's Charity Ball – in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support – went ahead as planned at the Hilton London Tower Bridge on Saturday night.