The final funeral rites of the former Governor of Old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua commenced, on Monday, August 24, with a Special Plenary at the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
Olumilua, the second civilian governor of the Ondo State passed away after a brief illness on July 4, 2020, in his country home, in Ikere-Ekiti.
It was indeed a celebration of life as the male lawmakers, decked in identical white attires with purple caps to match and their female counterparts in purple traditional iro and buba, showered encomiums on the late astute diplomat and renowned politician that held sway as Governor of Old Ondo State from January 1992 to November 1993.
The lawmakers described Late Olumilua as a father, leader of leaders and a global citizen who remained a gentleman till death, stressing that his demise is a great loss to the entire nation.
Recalling that late Olumilua was an epitome of ‘politics without bitterness’ who used to be the last point of reckoning for resolution of political issues and various other matters, the lawmakers noted that he was also an encyclopedia of sort on Ekiti matters.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye said that it was not time to mourn but to celebrate a life well spent by late Evangelist Olumilua, stressing that though his shoes would be difficult to fill, he left enviable legacies in both his biological and political children that he had built to continue where he stopped.
The Speaker charged remaining leaders to emulate the late former Governor’s lifestyle and serve the people with the fear of God in order to faithfully serve the community and nation at large for the good of all, stressing that the impact a leader must be felt by the people.
Present at the plenary, was a former member of the Old Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olufemi Ojo as well as two former members of the Ekiti State House Of Assembly, Hon. Tokunbo Omotayo and Hon. Biodun Omoyeni who eulogized late Olumilua for the sparkling qualities he displayed during his life time.
Responding, the first son of the late elder statesman, Mr. Olumide Olumilua who expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for what he described as a “great delight and honour”
Other dignitaries present included the Commissioner for Information and values Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua who is also a son of the late Evangelist, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Adekunbi Obaisi as well as all Directors in the Ministry of Information and Values Orientation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters, Hon. Abiola Olowookere and Chairman, Board for Technical Education, Hon. Kayode Babade.
The plenary was also attended by the wives and children of the late former Governor as well as other relatives, friends and well wishers.
See the photos:
