Sola Popoola
The final funeral of the Ire-Ekiti born late Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola turned into a remarkable gathering of Nigeria’s political heavyweights as serving governors, former governors, federal lawmakers and opposition leaders set aside political differences to honour revered educationist , elder statesman, former council chairman and respected community leader.
The late Pa Daramola, father of former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola(popularly known as congressman), was a frontline member of the Ekiti Council of Elders, and the first elected Chairman of Oye Local Government between 1991-1993.
The final burial and outing service was held at St. John’s Anglican Church Ire Ekiti marked the end of a week-long celebration of life and times of the revered retired school teacher and seasoned administrator who died on March 29, 2026. He was aged 99.
Leading the mourners was Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, alongside his Niger State counterpart, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. Also in attendance were former Ekiti State Governors Ayodele Fayose and Chief Segun Oni, as well as Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and several members of the National Assembly.
The event also attracted candidates of opposition political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders, captains of industry and prominent sons and daughters of Ekiti State,including the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the June 20 Governorship poll in Ekiti ,Dr Wole Oluyede also graced the event .
The impressive turnout reflected the widespread respect Chief Daramola commanded across political, religious and social divides.
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.
The high point of the occasion was the donation of a bus to the church by the Ekiti State Governor
According to 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 .
Paying glowing tributes to the decrased ,Niger State Governor, Mohamed Umaru Bago described the event as a celebration of a life well spent.
He said the late Chief Daramola lived an exemplary life devoted to education, community service and the development of humanity
According to him, 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.
Dignitaries at the grand event included the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisola Acute, the SSG, Alhaja Habibat Adubiaro, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, Hon. Akin Rotimi, MHR, Barr. Sola Elesin,
Others are: Dr. Ife Arowosoge, Chief Sola Oloniniyi, members of Ekiti Council of Elders, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Hon. Muyiwa Olumilua, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, Hon. Dele Faparusi representatives of Niger State Governor amongst others.
Other groups including the old students of Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti; Ekiti Elders Council, Inland Club, among others also paid tributes to the late educationist.
The journey to the last resting place of Pa Daramola began on Wednesday July 8 as his body left ABUAD Specialist Hospital and drove in a long convoy to the All Saints Anglican Church at Oke ori omi Ado Ekiti where a Day of Tributes was held in his honour.
The commendation service was also held on Thursday at All Saints Anglican Church Opopogbooro Ado Ekiti as more people including the deceased political associates, friends, associations, club members and his former students beared testimonies to the exemplary life of the deceased
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