The finality that comes with death and the reality of the permanent absence of the deceased make death an unequalled event that reminds man that only God is wise. The wisdom of man is subject to the life in him, which only God gives. God gave and God took. Goodnight, my brother.
The pain that comes with death is real but the healing process of bereavement can be soothed when there are remarkable memories to cling to. You made your funeral easy, brother. Seeing you off reminded me that it is not how far but how well. You did well on earth. Journey well to the life beyond. Goodnight.
Even amidst the deep pains, to know that everyone was willing to offer a helping hand to give you a befitting rite of passage was gratifying. The attendance at all the events leading to your final journey left me in awe of your ubiquitous presence on this side of heaven. You made us all proud. Thank you, brother.
From the family setting, to the church and to the socio-political space, we, the Oluwadare family, are unable to exhaust our loads of gratitude in a limited space as this. We just want to say we are grateful for the love shown to our father and brother in life and in death. Thank you, All.
The attendance of the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, was visibly felt by the regal presence of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji. Thank you, Your Excellencies. The first Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo stood with us like a father indeed, both at the Christian Wake-Keep and the Funeral Service. We are grateful, Sir.
Former Acting Governor of Ekiti State, Rt. Hon. Adetope Ademiluyi was on hand to bid his cousin farewell. Thank you, Egbon. Immense gratitude to the Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, who addressed the congregation on behalf of Mr Governor. Thank you, Sir.
The Presiding Vicar of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko Ekiti, Venerable Israel Olagunju, and all the officiating ministers at the funeral service; Pastor-in-charge, Joseph Olatunji, and all the officiating ministers of RCCG, Breakthrough Mega Parish, Ado Ekiti; the choir members of St Philip’s Anglican Church and RCCG, Breakthrough Mega Parish, thank you, All.
The 14th Ekiti Company of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria gave a befitting farewell to a departed member. Thank you, Boys. The choir members of Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede Ekiti, led by the School Principal, Mrs Ilesanmi, thank you. The pupils of CAC Pilot Nursery & Primary School, Aramoko came, neatly dressed and defied the odds to receive the motorcade procession of the remains of their Patron. To the teachers and pupils, thank you.
The Alara-In-Council was ably led by the 2ic, High Chief Julius Oladiran Adebayo, The Asao of Aramoko Ekiti, to pay the last tribute to one of them, a vocal voice in the palace, as he relinquishes the title of Saribi of Aramoko Kingdom. Thank you, titled Chiefs.
My friend and SA, Media to the Ekiti State Governor, Yinka Oyebode, my Egbon, Hon. Commissioner for Arts & Culture, Ekiti State, Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare were both critical success factors in the entire chain of the funeral arrangement. Thank you.
The Chairman (represented by His Vice), management and staff of Ekiti West Local Government came out in large number to accord the honour due to their former Chairman in their council house. The eulogies from all speakers at the lying in state was soul lifting. Thank you, All.
The class of Ekiti State Local Government Chairmen (1999-2002 Set), led by Elder Odunayo Ategbero, came in good number to bid one of their alumnus the final wave of goodbye. Thank you, Sirs.
This space is too small to mention the names of all former and serving cabinet members of Ekiti State government, former and serving senior government functionaries, Ekiti State House of Assembly members, political associates of our late father across party divide, all the chieftains of Afenifere in Ekiti State and all the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State and Aramoko Ekiti in particular. Thank you, All.
The Progressive Wheelers’ Club, Aramoko; The Arcadian Club, Aramoko; Inland Club, Ado Ekiti; Wisemen Club, Ibadan; Ekiti Baptist High School, Igede Ekiti Alumni Association (Silver Jubilee Set), words are not enough to express our gratitude for the different roles you played to bid our father a befitting farewell.
The Kegites Club of Ekiti State University, Ilya Odua, added colour to the rite of passage of their patron by keeping vigil with him until they de-kegged him at the end of their performance to signal the end of his membership. It was a testament to the stature of the late legend as a man of many parts. Thank you, comrades.
To all our invited guests too numerous to mention, thank you for your prayers, support and most importantly your presence. To our extended family members on both paternal and maternal sides too numerous to mention, thank you. To all our in-laws, we cherish your rare display of love and affection and for standing by us at the most critical time. Thank you, All.
To the media crew, Adekunle Abon, Adetutu Idris, Sunday Kayode, Raheem Akingbolu, who oversaw the documentation of the sequence of events for posterity, and to everyone who played critical roles to the overall success of the events, thank you.
Above all, we thank the only wise God for a perfect weather and safe travels for all travellers for the four-day event. Gratitude is our attitude.
Now that all is said and done. I can put a closure to it all as I bid you the final farewell. We will continue from where you stopped. Your legacy is evergreen. Goodnight, dear brother. Sleep well.
©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr.
04 August 2025
