By Editor
The ancient town of Ire Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area yesterday, played host to thousands of dignitaries from Nigeria and outside the country at the grand finale of the burial rites of passage for late Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola (FAD).
The final burial and outing service held at St. John’s Anglican Church
Ire Ekiti marked the end of a week long celebration of life and times of the reverred retired school teacher and seasoned administrator who died on March 29, 2026. He was aged 99.
Yesterday’s program was spectacular with the presence of personalities from different spectrum of political divides in the state including former Governor of the State, Ayo Fayose and Dr. Wole Oluyede, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the just concluded governorship election in the state who rallied round the Congressman Bimbo Daramola, one of the sons of the deceased.
The service commenced by 10.00am as the body of late Pa Daramola, draped in a brown beautiful mahogany casket was ushered in to the church by a team from renowned Lagos-based funeral service operator, Climax, accompanied by light parade performance by Girls, Guild as Governor Oyebanji in company with his large entourage arrived the church auditorium
Vicar of the diocese Ven. Solomon Adebayo Oluwafemi in a brief but deep sermon, admonished the congregation on the need to be heavenly focussed and live a life of service in the Lord’s vineyard saying that the late elder statesman served God and humanity till he breathed his last noting that Chief Daramola was an icon of dedication and unparalleled commitment to good virtues which has etched his name in gold especially in the hearts of the entire Ire people.
He urged the children, whom he described as successful in their various capacities to keep the good name and legacy of their late father.
The clergy used the occasion to pray for the Ekiti State Governor on his victory in the June 20 governorship election.
Despite the tight schedule, provision was made to accommodate tributes from some selected individuals and groups including Ire Community, Fountain of Hope and Christ’s School amongst others.
One of the high points of the occasion was the donation of a bus to the church by the Ekiti State Governor amidst wide jubilation by members of the local church.
Interment followed immediately at the church’s cemetery while lavish entertainment of guests were put in place at Ire and Ado Ekiti respectively.
The journey to the last resting place of Pa Daramola began on Wednesday July 8 as his body left ABUAD Specialist Hospital and drove in a long convoy to the All Saints Anglican Church at Oke ori omi Ado Ekiti where a Day of Tributes was held in his honour.
The event hall of the cathedral was full to capacity with people from all walks of life converged to pay glowing tributes to the deceased after which the corpse was taken to his residence at GRA Onigari area of Ado Ekiti for lying in state
In a related development, commendation service was held on Thursday at All Saints Anglican Church Opopogbooro Ado Ekiti as more people including the deceased political associates, friends, associations, club members and his former students testified to the good deeds of the departed patriarch during his life time.
The corpse later moved to Oye Local Government Secretariat where the late Pa Daramola served as the Chairman of the local government as the staff held a brief commendation service in his honour.
Again, the body arrived at the Daramola family compound in Ire Ekiti for the last time late in the evening ahead of yesterday’s funeral service.
Dignitaries at the grand event included the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisola Acute, the SSG, Alhaja Habibat Adubiaro, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, Hon. Akin Rotimi, MHR, Barr. Sola Elesin,
Others are: Dr. Ife Arowosoge, Chief Sola Oloniniyi, members of Ekiti Council of Elders, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Hon. Muyiwa Olumilua, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, Hon. Dele Faparusi representatives of Niger State Governor amongst others.
