Posted by TUNDE RAHEEM, Akure on
The remains of the presidential candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) and immediate past governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati was on yesterday committed to mother earth amidst encomiums and fanfare from his political associates, families, friends, Federal and State governments.
The remains of the presidential candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) and immediate past governor of Ondo State, Chief Adebayo Adefarati was on yesterday committed to mother earth amidst encomiums and fanfare from his political associates, families, friends, Federal and State governments.
President Umar Yar'Adua decribed late Adefarati as a politician of high dignity, peace loving and transparent leader.
The president who was represented by Chief Gbolade Oshinlowo further described the deceased as an apostle of peace who he said played politics without bitterness, adding that the late sage throughout his life time fought for the course of masses.
Yar'Adua saluted the intellect and integrity of Adefarati, saying that he was patriotic till his last days as he strived to leave the country better than he met it.
The president described Adefarati as man of peace, whose impact would still be felt years to come.
In his sermon at the burial service held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Akungba-Akoko, the retired Bishop of Akure (Anglican Communion), Bishop Emmanuel Gbonigi said Adefarati was identified with peace, honesty and God fearing politician.
The clergy said the deceased was a man of faith, who believed in Jesus Christ until his death.
Gbonigi said the former governor while in government was never offended at the criticisms from opposition.
Speaking at the service, Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu stated that the state had lost an upright political leader and associate that was committed to the development of the state.
He said, 'He (Adefarati) belonged to the group of people that implemented people oriented programmes. An Awoist, who was able to show maturity when he lost election.
'His life was full of selfless service, he was a chieftain of NADECO which fought the military to a standstill, Adefarati was indeed a man of peace that should be celebrated."
Agagu, however, implored the people of the state to allow peace to reign and put an end to the violence that had been facing it before the 2007 general election, saying that the state was bigger than an individual.
Among the dignitaries presents at the service were Chief Gbolade Oshinowo, who represented Yar'Adua, governors Agagu and Segun Oni of Ekiti state, former governors Bola Tinubu, Lamidi Adesina, Segun Osoba, Bisi Akande and Adeniyi Adebayo.
Others were the national chairman of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), Chief Olu Falae, presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Pere Ajunwa, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, the deputy governor of Ondo State, Otunba Omolade Oluwateru, his Ekiti state counterpart, Alhaji Sikiru Lawal, Dr. Bode Olajumoke;Osun state deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada among others.