Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Friday extolled the loyalty and dedication of his deputy, Monisade Afuye, declaring that he never regretted working with her since they assumed office together.
Governor Oyebanji made this known during the funeral service of the deputy’s mother, Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, held at Saint Luke’s Anglican Church, Uro Quarters, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Madam Adegboye, a respected community leader, passed away on 18 February 2025 at the age of 97.
Speaking at the church service, Oyebanji described Afuye as a loyal and dependable partner throughout their nearly three years in office.
“I have never had cause to regret working with you. You are a very loyal and dependable Deputy, and I appreciate you greatly for your unwavering support,” Oyebanji said.
The governor also praised the late Madam Adegboye for her impactful life and contributions to the Ikere community, particularly through the exemplary children she raised.
“Today is a day of joy, despite our loss. No matter how old our parents are, we never want them to leave us, but we are grateful that Mama lived a long and fulfilled life and witnessed good times in her later years,” he added.
Governor Oyebanji thanked the church and the people of Ikere Ekiti for their support in honouring the late Madam Adegboye and for standing by the Deputy Governor’s family.
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The funeral service was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; former governors Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni; Ekiti State First Lady, Olayemi Oyebanji; former First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Senators Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, among others.
In her remarks at the event, Afuye expressed gratitude to Oyebanji, the First Lady, members of the State Executive Council, political leaders, and the Ikere community for their solidarity and the honour accorded her late mother.
She described her mother as a beacon of hard work, honesty, integrity, contentment, and humility, virtues she said had shaped her life and that of her siblings.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Olusola Ajayi, urged Nigerians to shun greed, corruption, and materialism, warning that such vices are undermining the nation’s stability.
He encouraged the youth to avoid bad influences and to reject internet fraud, drug abuse, and criminal activities.
“Move with people who can positively influence your destiny,” the cleric advised. “Be a person of integrity in your workplace and remember that life is vanity—what you sow, you shall reap.”
The Bishop also called on well-meaning citizens to support the government’s efforts to advance development across Ekiti State, commending legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun for his ongoing contributions to the growth of Ikere Ekiti.
