Eminent Nigerians and top government functionaries, including Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Governor Kayode Fayemi, ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose and ex-Governor Segun Oni, were among the dignitaries that attended the burial of the late former Ondo State Governor, Evang. Bamidele Olumilua.
The funeral service was held on Friday at the chapel built within the premises of Great Expectations Hotel owned by the deceased along Ado-Akure highway in Ikere Ekiti, the headquaters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Olumilua, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti who was the governor of the old Ondo State between 1992 and 1993, died on June 4 at the age of 80 during a brief illness.
The old Ondo comprised the present Ondo and Ekiti states before the latter was carved out by the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1996.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were ex-governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Prof. Olusola Eleka, the Ekiti first lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi, Hon Bimbo Daramola, and Hon Yemi Adaramodu.
Also in attendance were Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Christopher Omotunde, Bishop of Agape Christains Ministries, Bishop Felix Adejumo, among others.
The Vice President, while speaking at the service eulogized the deceased for his incalculable and significant contributions towards advancing the cause of humanity.
Osibanjo, represented by the Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, described the late Olumilua as a devout evangelist who spent the greater part of his life to preach the gospel and impart virtues to the lives of many Nigerians.
He noted that the late elder statesman lived a fulfilled life of service to God and humanity, saying the deceased would be remembered for excellence and for championing the cause of humanity.
In his tribute, Governor Fayemi hailed the late Olumilua for his love and compassion for Ekiti, saying he had left an indelible imprint on the Ekiti’s socio-political sand.
He described the former governor as a leader who valued self-respect, saying he was never a contract-seeking individual in quest for material acquisition.
The governor said the late Olumilua never wavered from speaking the truth to power owing to the fact that he was not materialistic or compromised his integrity through unnecessary drives for contracts and other enjoyments.
“Baba Olumilua embraced all the governors of Ekiti, regardless of party affiliation. He scolded us when the need be. He was a governor for less than two years in Ondo, but he was able to transform the state”.
In his sermon entitled ‘Inevitability of Death’, Pastor T.O. Falade of the Gospel Faith Mission International described death as a debt everyone, rich or poor, will pay to either gain eternity or hell fire.
He said: “Some are living their lives as if they will be here forever, this is not possible. I want to encourage you to bear your minds towards that day when death would come to knock on your doors”.
The deceased’s first daughter, Mrs Yetunde Banjo, described her father as a stickler for rules, whose erudition and love for scholarship knew no bounds.
