“Ekiti Mourns Patriarch: Adebayo Daramola’s Death at 98 Marks End of Statesmanship and Community Leadership”!
“Ekiti Mourns Patriarch: Adebayo Daramola’s Death at 98 Marks End of Statesmanship and Community Leadership”!
Reported by Mustapha Omolabake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa
Ekiti State, Nigeria — Ekiti’s oldest member of the Ekiti State Council of Elders, Adebayo Daramola, has died at the age of 98, prompting official mourning across government, traditional institutions, and civil society for a life of profound public service, educational leadership, and community stewardship. The passing of the revered elder statesman on Monday, 30 March 2026 has been publicly acknowledged by Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and other dignitaries, who described Daramola’s life as emblematic of dedication to public good and moral integrity.
Daramola’s death resonates deeply across Ekiti and the broader South‑West region. His legacy is tied not only to his role as the oldest councillor in the Council of Elders but also to decades of civic engagement, educational advancement, and local governance. In official statements and condolence visits, state leadership and community figures highlighted Daramola’s impact on generations of citizens and his enduring influence on the cultural and political fabric of Ekiti State.
A Life Dedicated to Service and Community
Born in Ire Ekiti, Adebayo Daramola’s long life intersected with multiple phases of Ekiti’s modern history. He rose through local leadership ranks to become a notable community leader, respected educator, and influential statesman. In addition to serving as the former Chairman of Oye Local Government, Daramola was widely regarded within the Council of Elders as a source of wisdom, stability, and mentorship for fellow elders and emerging leaders alike.
Governor Oyebanji, who visited the Daramola family residence to offer condolences, described the late elder as “a moral compass whose impactful life shaped generations in Ekiti State.” The governor noted that “his life was a testament to discipline, knowledge, and community building,” and emphasised that Daramola’s passing “marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire both present and future generations.”
Statements from family members and community representatives echoed these sentiments, underscoring the breadth and depth of Daramola’s influence. His youngest child, Opeyemi Daramola, expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support, affirming that the family drew comfort from testimonies of his impact and the collective desire to emulate his example.
Council of Elders’ Tribute: Wisdom and Institutional Memory
The Ekiti State Council of Elders, an advisory body deeply rooted in Yoruba sociopolitical tradition, formally paid tribute to Daramola’s extensive service. Council leaders, including President Joseph Oluwasanmi and Secretary Niyi Ajibulu, highlighted Daramola’s role as a stabilizing presence during times of challenge and change. Ajibulu, representing the council in public remarks, recalled earlier conversations about plans to celebrate Daramola’s centenary in June 2027, underscoring the loss felt by colleagues who had long expected to mark that milestone together.
Council Vice President Deji Fasuan, another nonagenarian leader, reflected on shared formative experiences with Daramola, including their time at Christ School, Ado‑Ekiti, and his subsequent studies at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. Fasuan characterized the late elder as “a very nice family man” and prayed that others might grow in the same honour and spirit that defined Daramola’s life.
Other council elders and community leaders recalled Daramola’s personality as one marked by humility, generosity, intellectual curiosity, and a profound commitment to the common good. Among them, elder Femi Ajayi remembered him as “highly intelligent and a man with an excellent sense of judgment,” while Folu Oni described him as “an institution” whose wisdom shaped deliberations and guided decision‑making within Ekiti’s foundational advisory body.
Educational and Religious Contributions
Beyond his formal political roles, Daramola was recognised for his contributions to education and spiritual life in Ekiti. He was described as a devout Christian and active patron of the All Saints Anglican Church in Ado‑Ekiti, where he played significant roles in community and spiritual leadership. This religious engagement was part of a broader commitment to nurturing the moral and intellectual growth of his community.
As an educationist, Daramola’s influence extended into mentoring young leaders and supporting institutions of learning, although details of specific initiatives during his lifetime remain a subject of community memory and ongoing documentation.
Family Legacy and Public Service
Adebayo Daramola’s family has continued his legacy of public engagement. Notably, his child Bimbo Daramola served as a member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 from 2011 to 2015. This continuation of public service underscores the family’s sustained role in governance and community representation.
Within Ekiti’s political and civic landscape, the Daramola family was widely regarded as a pillar of leadership and service, with many Ekiti residents referencing the elder’s contributions when discussing governance, community cohesion, and local progress.
Official Mourning and Cultural Reflections
With his passing at age 98, Daramola almost reached the centenary milestone, a remarkable life span in itself within a region that deeply values elders and the wisdom they embody. In Yoruba culture, age and experience confer respect, moral authority, and a role in shaping societal norms qualities that Daramola exemplified throughout his life. Official mourning and public reflections captured this cultural perspective, affirming his life as an embodiment of dignity and generational continuity.
In condolence messages, residents and civic groups across Ekiti highlighted the gap his departure leaves, not merely as a functional vacancy within council structures but as the loss of a living link to the historical experiences and traditions that guide contemporary governance and public life.
Governor’s Condolence Visit and Public Tributes
Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s visit to the Daramola family was emblematic of the state’s official respect for the elder’s contributions. In his remarks, the governor noted that Daramola “was a towering figure in the educational advancement of Ekiti,” underlining both his community and educational roles. Oyebanji’s comments reflect a broader consensus among state leaders that Daramola’s life and work were central to Ekiti’s development narrative in recent decades.
Public figures, traditional leaders, and community members used social and formal platforms to honour Daramola’s memory and to affirm commitments to uphold the values he championed. These tributes provide insight into how leadership legacies are preserved and celebrated in Ekiti’s cultural and political context.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Institutional Memory
Adebayo Daramola’s passing offers a moment of reflection for Ekiti and Nigeria more broadly. As institutions of governance evolve and new generations rise to leadership, the stories and achievements of elder statesmen become part of an enduring institutional memory that informs future policy, civic engagement, and community life.
While his absence will be felt within the Council of Elders and among those who worked closely with him, the formal tributes suggest that Daramola’s influence will endure through the values he embodied integrity, public service, educational empowerment, and communal cohesion.
For Ekiti State’s citizens and leaders, the challenge now is not only to mourn but also to sustain the ideals and public spirit that the late Adebayo Daramola championed for nearly a century.
Sources:
PUNCH Nigeria; Ekiti State Government public statements.
