A Life of Grace, Service and Legacy: Ekiti Bids Farewell to Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola at 99
It was a celebration of an extraordinary life, a solemn farewell to a revered patriarch and a gathering that brought together people from across the political, academic, religious and social spectrum as the people of Ire-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and beyond paid their final respects to Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola.
The renowned educationist, community leader, politician and humanitarian passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, discipline, integrity, intellectual accomplishment and an unwavering commitment to the development of others.
His final burial ceremony, held at St. John’s Church, Anglican Communion, Ire-Ekiti, was attended by an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governors Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose; members of the National and State Assemblies; members of the Ekiti State Executive Council; traditional leaders, academics, religious leaders, former students, political associates, family members and friends.
Among the notable moments at the ceremony was the warm exchange between Governor Oyebanji and Dr. Segun Oluyede, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate and his principal opponent in the recently concluded Ekiti governorship election.
The two leaders exchanged cordial pleasantries in a moment that transcended the usual boundaries of partisan politics. Their interaction reflected the values of mutual respect, civility and political maturity—an important reminder that political contestation need not destroy the bonds of humanity and community.
In a society where political disagreements often become deeply personal, the moment offered a refreshing picture of leaders who, despite belonging to opposing political camps, could still come together to honour the memory of a man whose life was dedicated to service.
The presence of the political class at the funeral was, in many ways, a fitting tribute to the life of the deceased, who himself combined education, public service, politics and community leadership during his long and distinguished life.
Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola was not merely a man who lived long; he was a man who lived meaningfully.
Born into humble circumstances, he was the only surviving child among seven siblings. Through determination, hard work and an unyielding commitment to education, he rose beyond the limitations of his early circumstances to become the first university graduate from his village in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Durham.
That achievement was more than a personal accomplishment. It became a landmark for his community and a powerful demonstration of what education, discipline and perseverance could achieve.
His professional life was largely devoted to education. Beginning as a teacher, he rose through the ranks to become a school principal, influencing and mentoring generations of young people. Through his career as an educationist, he played a role in shaping the lives of many Nigerians who would go on to make their own contributions to society.
For Chief Daramola, education was not simply a profession. It was a calling.
His commitment to public service later took him into politics, where he served as the first elected Chairman of Oye Local Government between 1991 and 1993 during the administration of President Ibrahim Babangida.
After his time in formal politics, he returned to community service, continuing to contribute to the development of his people as a respected elder and title holder.
His life was therefore a journey that traversed the classroom, public administration, politics and community leadership. At every stage, however, the central theme remained the same: service.
Speaking at the funeral, Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the late Chief Daramola as one of the distinguished educators who helped lay the foundation for quality education in the old Western Region and the former Ondo State.
The Governor said the deceased lived a fulfilled life marked by integrity, service to humanity and an enduring commitment to the development of his community, Ekiti State and Nigeria.
He noted that Chief Daramola’s commitment to education, mentorship and community service had left an indelible impact on countless lives and would continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
Governor Bago of Niger State, who also attended the ceremony, described the funeral as a celebration of a life well spent. He said attaining the age of 99 with such an enduring legacy was a testament to the grace of God and the impact the deceased had made during his lifetime.
He urged the family to take solace in the exceptional legacy left behind by their patriarch.
The Bishop of the Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Andrew Olusola, in his homily, described 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 reminded the congregation that the true measure of a life was not merely in its length but in its impact, urging everyone to live purposefully and with eternity in view.
The people of Ire-Ekiti also paid tribute to a man they described as a pace-setter and an inspiration. As the first university graduate from the community, Chief Daramola represented a historic bridge between humble beginnings and extraordinary achievement.
Tributes also came from the old students of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti; the Ekiti Council of Elders; Inland Club; friends, associates and several organisations whose members had been touched by his life and service.
For his son, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti North I Federal Constituency, the funeral was not only a moment of grief but also an opportunity to celebrate a father whose influence extended far beyond the immediate family.
Chief Daramola’s life was a living lesson in family values, discipline, resilience, humility and service. These values were not merely preached by him; they were demonstrated through his own life and transmitted to his children.
It is in this regard that many who know Hon. Bimbo Daramola have often seen in him the enduring influence of his father. The values of family, service, courage and commitment that defined the late Chief Daramola continue to find expression in the life and public engagements of his son.
The House of Representatives also honoured the late Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola, recognising the significance of his life and the contribution he made to education, public service and the development of his community.
At the end of the ceremonies, the grief of the family was unmistakable. Yet, so too was the comfort that comes from knowing that the life being mourned was a life fully lived.
Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola came from modest beginnings. He overcame limitations, pursued education, shaped the lives of others, served in public office, contributed to his community and remained committed to humanity and his faith.
At 99, he left behind more than memories.
He left behind students who became leaders, communities that benefited from his service, a family shaped by his values and a society that will continue to remember his contribution.
His burial was therefore not simply the interment of an elderly patriarch.
It was the closing chapter of a remarkable journey—and the beginning of the continued life of a legacy.
As Ire-Ekiti bid farewell to one of its most distinguished sons, the words of his family and friends resonated with the enduring truth that great parents may leave the earth, but their influence remains permanently woven into the lives they touched.
Chief Dr. Francis Adebayo Daramola may have taken his final journey to his Creator, but the values he embodied education, discipline, humility, integrity, service and love will continue to speak long after the funeral rites have ended