By Editor
The sprawling town of Ikere Ekiti played host to many dignitaries from across the country on Friday at the final rites of passage of Olori, Iyalaje Esther Adegboye, the late mother of Chief Mrs Christiana Monisola Afuye, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State.
The memorable event, marked by class, elegance and orderliness was attended by former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Engr. Segun Oni, wife of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Chief Woke Olanipekun, Senators Bamidele Opeyemi, Cyril Fasuyi, HRM Femi Bamisile, the Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye amongst other dignitaries.
Security operatives had a hectic moment controlling traffic around St. Luke’s Anglican Church Uro along BOUESTI Road venue of the funeral service for the late community leader maintaing peace throughout the event..
Madam Adegboye, a renowned community leader and business woman, died on February 18, 2025 at the age of 97.
In his homily, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Olusola Ajayi, drew the attention of congregants to the Bible scripture from the book of Ecclesiastes which sees everything in life as vanity saying that the good work a person leaves behind would be his credentials after leaving the world urging Nigerians to divorce themselves from greediness, avarice and corruption that are crippling the country’s economy and shaking its foundation.
Commenting on the deceased’s outstanding virtues, the Cleric said madam Adegboye distinguished herself as a community leader, great women mobiliser and dependable mother, who invested in the education of her children.
Speaking against the backdrop of preponderance of fraud and substance abuse in the society, the clergyman, appealed to the youths to stop fraternising and keeping bad companies that can attract them into drug abuse, internet fraud and robbery, which may end up ruining their lives and all the stand for.
He also emphasized the imperative of well meaning citizens of Ekiti State partnering the government to ramp up the level of development in all facets of the economy.
“Take a look at Chief Wole Olanipekun, he has been partnering the government to expand development in Ikere Ekiti. Don’t join those that will introduce you into alcoholism, fraud, corruption and drug abuse. Move with the right people who can influence your destinies positively.
“Let me also say this, as a rich person and a man of means, try and impact positively on the lives of those around you. Don’t treat the poor as non-existent. Help them to overcome their challenges, rather than allow them to suffer.
“Take a look at the deceased, she was gentle women. The Deputy Governor took after her. She always moved with the right people and look at her end. She ended well. Run away from sins and be a man of integrity and to achieve these, you must resist the devil.
“Don’t be corrupt in your working places or offices. Remember your final destination, which is heaven. Be heavenly focused, because this world is a vanity and there will be judgement after your sojourn in this world. Remember that whatever you sow, you shall reap and harvest”, the cleric said.
Other dignitaries at the colourful event include: Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, House of Representatives members, Hon. Femi Bamisile and AVM Niyi Ojuawo.
The roll call also include: Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service l, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Legal Icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), former Deputy Governors Biodun Aluko and Kolapo Eleka, and Prof Modupe Adelabu; an ICT entrepreneur and politician, Mr. Kola Alabi, members of Ekiti State Executive Council, members of Ekiti State House of Assembly, heads of security agencies, and chairmen of board and parastatals and traditional rulers.
Also in attendance were leaders of APC in the state and chairmen of local government councils.
The Governor of Ekiti State Mr Biodun Oyebanji who stormed the venue with a retinue of his aides in his address, extolled the virtues of his deputy as a dependable ally who has been a big instrument to the success of the administration since about three years they both took the driver’s seat of the State.
The colourful celebration of life of the late mother of Mrs Afuye later shifted to the Oluksmet stadium on the outskirts of Ikere for loud merriment
