By Tope Obembe
The final burial ceremony of the late Pa James Adeboyejo Adebo, father of the Secretary of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Adebo Adebowale, was held on Saturday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Rehoboth Mega Parish, Iloro-Ekiti.
The ceremony attracted family members, friends, government officials, political associates, community leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased and celebrate his life and legacy.
Pa Adebo, who was born on August 13, 1938, into the family of Yeye Osunyemi Olofinlade and Pa Olofinlade Omola of Abe-Eku Quarter, Iloro-Ekiti. He was described as a man who lived a purposeful life and made meaningful contributions to his family, community and society.
The deceased was said to have acquired both formal and informal education during his lifetime. He began his working career as a clerk with the Forest Guards in Ijero before relocating to Ibadan in the old Western Region.
While in Ibadan, Pa Adebo served as an apprentice under a popular shoemaker and leather merchant before later joining the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan.
At FRCN, he worked as a technical personnel at some of the corporation’s transmitter stations and eventually retired from active service in January 1993.
Speaking about the deceased’s personality and contributions to society, the Secretary of Irewolede LCDA, Hon. Adebo Adebowale, said his late father was popularly known as “Eto Baba” and was highly gifted in administration and local politics.
Hon. Adebowale described his father as a man who was passionate about integrity, accountability and selfless service to humanity, adding that he consistently advocated these values throughout his lifetime.
According to him, Pa Adebo’s commitment to community development and his passion for responsible leadership earned him the respect and admiration of many people who came in contact with him.
The reception in honour of the deceased was later held at D-Link Hotel, Iloro-Ekiti, where prominent personalities from across Ekiti State gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
The management and staff of Irewolede LCDA was led to the event by the executive Chairperson, Hon. (Mrs.) Dupe Bakare. Also in attendance were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Samson Kolawole; Head of Local Council Development Area, Mr. Babatunde Vincent; Directors and other members of staff.
The presence of the council leadership and staff underscored their respect for the deceased, as well as their solidarity with Hon. Adebo Adebowale and his family at the time of their bereavement.
The burial ceremony provided an opportunity for mourners, political associates, community leaders, friends and family members to celebrate the life of Pa James Adeboyejo Adebo and pay tribute to a man remembered for his integrity, administrative ability, dedication and service to humanity.
Though he has passed on, his family and community members expressed hope that the values he stood for would continue to inspire generations to come.
