Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and his Niger State counterpart, Umar Bago, on Friday joined other dignitaries to pay last respect at the final burial ceremony of renowned educationist, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola.
The late Chief Daramola, father of former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, was a frontline member of the Ekiti Council of Elders, and the first elected chairman of Oye local government between 1991 and 1993.
Other dignitaries at the funeral include, the deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afute, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former Governor Segun Oni, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Just Concluded Ekiti Governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, members of the National and State Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, among others.
Speaking at the burial service held at the St John’s Church, Anglican Communion, Ire Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji described the late Chief Daramola as one of the distinguished educators who helped shape the foundation of quality education in the old Western Region and Old Ondo State, adding that the deceased lived a fulfilled life marked by integrity, service to humanity and commitment to the development of his community, the state and the country at large.
The governor noted that the commitment of the late Daramola to education, mentorship and community service had left an enduring impact on countless lives and would continue to serve as a beacon for future generations.
In his remarks, Niger State governor, Umaru Bago described the funeral as a celebration of a life well spent, saying the late Chief Daramola lived an exemplary life devoted to education, community service and the development of humanity
Noting that attaining the age of 99 years with such an enduring legacy was a testament to God’s grace and impactful life the deceased lived, the Niger Governor urged the children and family of the deceased to take solace in the outstanding legacy left behind
In his homily, the Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt Revd Andrew Olusola, described the late Chief Daramola as an accomplished educationist and devout Christian whose life was marked by selfless service, integrity and commitment to the growth of the church, education and humanity. He added that the deceased lived a fulfilled life, impacting countless lives through his dedication to mentoring young people and serving his community
While noting that the late Chief Daramola’s enduring legacy of discipline, humility, and service to humanity would continue to speak for generations to come, Bishop Olusola reminded the congregation that life on earth is temporary and charged everyone to live purposefully with eternity in view.
The Ire Ekiti community hailed the late Daramola as a pace setter and a source of inspiration being the town’s first University graduate. They prayed for the repose of his soul.
Other groups including the old students of Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti; Ekiti Elders Coucil, Inland Club, among others also paid tributes to the late educationist.
