Gov Oyebanji mourns as Ekiti’s oldest council member Adebayo Daramola passes away at 98

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, alongside members of the Ekiti State Council of Elders, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of respected elder statesman, Adebayo Daramola.

Daramola, a native of Ire Ekiti, was widely known as a community leader, seasoned statesman, educationist, and former Chairman of Oye Local Government.

He died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 98.

During a condolence visit to the residence of the late Pa Daramola, Oyebanji described him as a “moral compass” whose life of service and integrity positively influenced generations across Ekiti State.

The governor noted that Daramola’s contributions to governance, education, and community development would remain a lasting legacy in the state.

The governor said the late Daramola was “a towering figure in the educational advancement of Ekiti, a man whose life was a testament to discipline, knowledge, and community building.”

Oyebanji commiserated with the bereaved family, particularly the sons of the deceased, noting that the elder statesman’s passing “marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire both present and future generations.”

Also speaking during a visit to the family, the President of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Joseph Oluwasanmi, mourned the death of the council’s oldest member, saying Daramola would be sorely missed for his wisdom and counsel.

Oluwasanmi, a nonagenarian, was represented by the Council’s Secretary, Niyi Ajibulu, who paid tribute to the departed elder statesman.

“As a strong member of the Ekiti Elders’ Council, he was a pillar of support. When things were rough, he would always be there, guiding the council,” Ajibulu said.

He added, “Personally, what pains me is that Baba and I were discussing his centenary birthday, which would have been in June 2027. We were already making plans, but God knows best.”

Also speaking, the Council’s Vice President, Deji Fasuan, also a nonagenarian, described the late Daramola as “a very nice family man,” praying that others would grow in honour and spirit as he did.

Fasuan, who was Co-chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, recalled their early years, noting that Daramola was his senior at Christ School, Ado Ekiti, and later attended Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone. He said the deceased would be greatly missed.

An octogenarian member, Femi Ajayi, who described Daramola’s death as a personal loss, said the late statesman was “highly intelligent and a man with an excellent sense of judgment. He was a great leader within the council, the town, the community, and the church. He lived a very good life.”

“Baba was jovial, friendly, and loving. He did not bear grudges against anyone. In his hometown, Ire Ekiti, he was a pillar,” Ajayi added.

Another council member, Folu Oni, described the late Daramola as a multi-dimensional personality who lived an impactful life.

“When he spoke, it was wisdom. He was an institution. Baba’s passage was God’s will to call him home to rest. His impactful life is reflected in all his children,” Oni said.

Oni further noted that Daramola was a devout Christian and a patron in All Saints Anglican Church, Ado Ekiti, where he played significant roles.

“He was a leader par excellence with an admirable personality. He was always happy, ever smiling, and made people happy,” he added.

“In the Council of Elders, we thank God for his life and deeds. He was our oldest member. Whenever we reminded him that he would turn 100 in June 2027, he would always say, ‘by God’s grace.’ We celebrate his life and times,” Oni said.

The youngest child of the deceased, Opeyemi Daramola, who received members of the council and other sympathisers, expressed appreciation for their visit and kind words.

“We thank God for Baba’s life; he lived a fulfilled life. The testimonies from far and near confirm this. We pray to emulate him and live good lives as he did,” he said.

“We had hoped Baba would live to be 100 and had been looking forward to that day. But it has pleased God to call him home at this time, and there is nothing anyone can do about it,” he added.

The late Daramola, who would have turned 99 on June 10, is survived by his children, including former House of Representatives member, Bimbo Daramola

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