ONDO CITY AGOG AS FAMILY, FRIENDS BID EX-COUNCIL BOSS, CHIEF FRED AKINPELUMI FAREWELL
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ONDO CITY AGOG AS FAMILY, FRIENDS BID EX-COUNCIL BOSS, CHIEF FRED AKINPELUMI FAREWELL
…Son-in-law, Felix Ale described late Bobatolu of Ondo Kingdom as a political and community leader who prioritised human and societal development
…Event attracted Governor Aiyedatiwa, former Governor Mimiko, former Transport Minister Adegoroye, Rep Biola Makinde, Ategbole, Ambassador Omowa, representatives of Olubaka and Osemawe-in-Councils, others
The Ondo City the headquarters of Ondo West local government area witnessed influx of personalities from far and near as a former chairman of the local government, Chief (Hon) Fred Ojo Akinpelumi was laid to rest.
St. Matthew’s Catholic Church venue of the funeral service was filled to capacity with family, friends and well wishers from within and outside the country.
The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi.
Other notable personalities in attendance include, Ambassador Roland Omowa, Chief Segun Ategbole, the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd Jacob Bada.
Similarly, traditional authorities were ably represented with the presence of Olubaka-in-Council, Osemawe-in-Council and other notable Chiefs from the two ancient communities.
Also in attendance were Professor Makinde Olapegba, Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, University of Ibadan;
Major General Ebenezer Oshunsan, Nigerian Army Signals, Abuja,
Professor Shyngle Kola Balogun of the University of Ibadan.
The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists was led by the Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite and Veteran Dayo Johnson.
The Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Rt. Revd Jude Arogundade described the late Chief(Hon) Fred Ojo Akinpelumi as a devout Christian who prioritized the gospel and also created opportunities for younger generations to grow.
Bishop Arogundade called on political and community leaders to emulate the late Bobatolu of Ondo Kingdom who live to influence positive development of both the land and the people.
The service featured announcement of construction of a water facility by the family in memory of their Patriarch who had also been involved in infrastructural interventions in the Church.
The dust-to-dust rites were eventually performed at the church cemetery after which the Children spoke to newsmen and analysed the vacuum left by their father.
They however assured that they are fully united to start from where the Ondo political and community leader stopped.
The Children, Elder Johnson and Foluke Olowookere, Prof. Remi and Oluseto Opayemi, Dr. Felix and Oluwayomi Ale as well as Pastor and Mrs Charles Akinpelumi said structures are in place to sustain the legacies of their father.
The attention later shifted to the Ondo Civic Centre where guests were treated to sumptuous meals with the highly rated musician, Femi Solar on hand to add glamour to the occasion.
The reception had in attendance more distinguished personalities including former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Transport Minister Ademola Adegoroye, Hon. Abiola Makinde representing Ondo East and West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,
The event was also witnessed by former Council Chairmen who served alongside the deceased in Ose, Ifedore and Ondo East local government areas; Dennis Alonge-Niyi, Adeluse Obe and Charles Adeduro respectively.
The current Chairman of Ondo West local government area, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin was also in attendance to identify with family at the burial event of one of his predecessors in office.
One of the highpoints of the event was when former Governor Olusegun Mimiko took to the dance floor with the children of Pa Fred Ojo Akinpelumi as Femi Solar’s beats Nd lyrics electrified the Civic Centre Hall.
Chief Akinpekumi was a devoted Christian, community leader and family man.
He was a loving and faithful husband, a caring father and supportive father-in-law.
His family was the cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and Joy. His wisdom, kindness and unwavering support were constant in the lives of his loved ones.
Chief Akinpelumi believed in the efficacy of prayer, and all through his historic and glorious sojourn, he demonstrated this until he breathed his last, as he prayed freely with faith without season.
His contributions to education, his exemplary leadership and his commitment to his community will forever be remembered.
His Legacy is a testament to the impact one individual can have through dedication, integrity and love.
In the words of his numerous students and colleagues, Chief Akinpelumi was more than an educator, he was a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of hope.
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