By Editor.
It was indeed, an emotionally charged atmosphere at the weekend as the remains of one of Ekiti State’s most revered political patriarchs and grassroots mobilisers, Prince Gabriel Omodara Adelabu (QC), were committed to mother earth in Ado Ekiti amid glowing tributes, solemn prayers and outpouring of respect from political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, family members and admirers.
The final rites for the late elder statesman, affectionately known across the state as “Baba QC,” marked the end of an era for a man whose life was defined by selfless service, unwavering principles, community leadership and decades of political activism.
The burial programme commenced on Thursday, August 20, with a well-attended wake-keep service at his residence in Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, where family members, friends, political associates and sympathisers gathered to celebrate a life that profoundly impacted generations.
The following day, mourners converged on St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, for a solemn funeral Mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaiye.
In a deeply moving homily, Bishop Ajakaiye described the late Prince Adelabu as a devoted Christian, a man of integrity, an exemplary community leader and an uncommon patriot whose commitment to God, humanity and the Church remained unwavering throughout his lifetime.
The Bishop thanked God for blessing the deceased with a long, fulfilled and impactful life, noting that Prince Adelabu distinguished himself as a principled leader who dedicated his time, resources and influence to the growth of the Catholic Church, the development of Ado-Ekiti and the progress of Ekiti State.
He further extolled Baba QC’s humility, generosity and remarkable passion for grassroots politics, urging everyone present to emulate his exemplary virtues of honesty, selfless service, compassion and steadfast commitment to the common good.
The funeral service attracted an impressive array of dignitaries from across political, traditional, religious and community circles, reflecting the enormous influence and enduring legacy of the late statesman.
Among those who paid their final respects were the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; the Member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Hon. Fatoba Olusola Steve; the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju Egbeyemi; and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, represented by the Eyesorun of Ado-Ekiti, Olori Abosede Adejugbe.
Also present were the Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni; the Chairman of Ado North LCDA, Hon. Tokunbo Gbadamosi; the Chairman of Ado West LCDA, Hon. Bolu Aladesanmi; Hon. Toyin Ojo (ETO); Basorun Tope Alabi; Aare Khalif Adebiyi; former presidential adviser Senator Babafemi Ojudu; APC Chairman in Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Mike Akinleye; members of the Ewi-in-Council, the Ekiti State Council of Elders, APC leaders, community stakeholders, family members and hundreds of sympathisers.
Following the church service, the late Prince Gabriel Omodara Adelabu (QC) was laid to rest in a private interment ceremony attended by family members and close associates.
The burial ceremonies culminated in a grand reception at Damlek Event Centre, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, where guests celebrated the remarkable life and enduring legacy of a man widely acknowledged as one of Ekiti’s finest political mentors and grassroots leaders.
Though Prince Gabriel Omodara Adelabu (QC) has taken his final earthly bow, those who knew him agreed that his legacy of humility, service, courage, leadership and unwavering commitment to humanity will continue to inspire generations of Ekiti people for many years to come.
