Wednesday saw the immediate past deputy governor, the late Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, receive glowing tributes from former governors of the state, former deputy governors, and notable citizens at a special ceremony held by the state government in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Egbeyemi served as the state’s deputy governor from October 16, 2018, until October 15, 2022. He passed away on March 18.
At the Commendation Service/Evening of Tribute for the late deputy governor, former governor Segun Oni, current deputy governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye, wives of the governor Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji and former governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi, former deputy governors Biodun Aluko and Prof. Modupe Adelabu, the state’s chief judge Justice John Oyewole Adeyeye,
The late Egbeyemi was hailed by Governor Oyebanji as a renowned statesman, a well-liked local figure, and a devoted supporter of his people who made important contributions to the expansion and development of the state in the various roles he filled.
The people of Ado-Ekiti in particular and Ekiti State in general, according to Oyebanji, who recalled that the late deputy governor had been a mentor, leader, and father figure to him ever since his days as a lecturer in the state-owned university and when he joined the Otunba Niyi Adebayo-led government, would miss him.
“We are come to honor the legacy of our beloved leader. Baba led a good life and provided a good service, and we all have positive things to say about him. I want to make a plea to all of our people to continue to support and love the family and the children after this funeral. Yes, we are all present right now, but how many of us will the kids be able to turn to when they need a father figure?, he said.
Since their initial meeting through former Governor Niyi Adebayo in 2018, former Governor Fayemi, under whom the late Egbeyemi served as deputy governor between 2018 and 2022, praised the late politician as a stabilizing force in his political career.
At the commendation ceremony, Fayemi, speaking through his wife Erelu Fayemi, said Otunba Egbeyemi was always a go-to person for everyone aspiring to major political posts in the state.
He was in charge of one of the most delicate matters in our state, chieftaincy, and he handled it skillfully and competently while keeping in mind the significance of tradition in our society, the speaker said.
He claimed that he could not have asked for a better deputy governor than Otunba Egbeyemi due to the latter’s diligence, ethics, and maturity.
