SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU, OLUOMO OF ILAWE-EKITI, MOURNS THE PASSING OF ALAWE OF ILAWE-EKITI, OBA ADEBANJI AJIBADE ALABI AFUNTADE I.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU, OLUOMO OF ILAWE-EKITI, MOURNS THE PASSING OF ALAWE OF ILAWE-EKITI, OBA ADEBANJI AJIBADE ALABI AFUNTADE I.

The Senate Spokesperson, Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth Development and Oluomo of Ilawe-Ekiti, Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has expressed profound grief over the passing of the revered Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade I, describing the monarch’s transition as the fall of a mighty iroko and the end of a golden era of visionary traditional leadership.

Senator Adaramodu described the late royal father as not merely a custodian of tradition and culture, but also his blossoming childhood friend, confidant and father figure whose life radiated wisdom, dignity, peace, courage and uncommon devotion to the development of Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Yorubaland at large.

Reflecting on the monarch’s impactful 14-year reign, Senator Adaramodu noted that Oba Afuntade I transformed Ilawe-Ekiti into a fast-growing and strategically recognised community through purposeful leadership, intellectual diplomacy and progressive engagement with government and stakeholders across all levels.

According to the Senator, the reign of the late monarch witnessed landmark developmental achievements, including the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Annex, Ilawe-Ekiti, alongside several infrastructural advancements and community-based developments that elevated the status and growth of the ancient town.

Senator Adaramodu further extolled the late monarch for attaining the historic honour of becoming the first Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti to have served as the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, describing the feat as a testament to his royal distinction, administrative competence, leadership depth and the prominent place of Ilawe-Ekiti among the foremost ancient towns in Ekiti State and Yorubaland.

The Senator also paid glowing tribute to the monarch’s calm intellectual disposition, articulate eloquence and statesmanlike conduct, noting that Oba Afuntade I carried the throne with rare grace, honour and scholarly brilliance which made him a respected voice among traditional rulers and public leaders.

“His Royal Majesty was a man of extraordinary wisdom and uncommon composure. He spoke with clarity, ruled with compassion and led with honour. Beyond being a revered monarch, Kabiyesi was my blossoming childhood friend whose guidance, encouragement and warm relationship I will forever cherish.

“His reign brought visibility, growth, peace and development to Ilawe-Ekiti. He was a bridge builder, a royal statesman and a symbol of dignity whose legacy will continue to inspire generations yet unborn,” Senator Adaramodu stated.

The lawmaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the entire people of Ilawe-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Traditional Council and all sons and daughters of Ekiti State over the painful and monumental loss.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed monarch and for strength and comfort for all grieving hearts.

Signed:

Office of Distinguished Senator Yemi Adaramodu

Ekiti South Senatorial District

National Assembly, Abuja.