- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
It’s a high-pitched excitement and funfare as the people of Okemesi-Ekiti in unison, joined the family of Olagunju dynasty of Odoobi street in Okemesi and come together to celebrate the remembrance of their beloved father, Pa Joel Olagunju after 21-years of his departure to the world beyond.
Saturday 7, October was indeed, a day to remember in the lives of residents of Okemesi community in Ekiti West Local Government Areas of Ekiti State has they really enjoyed themselves with pomp and celebrations.
The much-awaited event which had in attendance the richest person in Ektii state, began on Friday with local dance cum small party to entertained guests with various merriments, families engagement with pleasantries as early as 3:30pm.
On Saturday morning, prayers of thanksgiving and presentation of flowers at the thomb at the residence of the deceased, Olagunju compound, Odoobi street was well attended by who-is-who in the society.
This was followed by superlative reception where guests wined and dined at the premises of Otunba Kayode Olagunju’s Crescent along Itawure road. Dignitaries and guests from all walks of life, gorgeously dressed in their beautiful white attires- agbada with ‘aso oke’ cap, gele and ipele to-match thereby added glamour and colours to the epoch make event.
The party venue under one big tents, sparked in a different and very inviting decoration colours for the one in town ceremony, while separate arrangements was made for the commoners to enjoying themselves as well.
Diverse musical instruments were on display; conga, drum set, keyboard, base and lead guitar, talking drum and other ensembles and joyous music was dished out sonorous music to enliven the guests by the popular fuji-gospel maestro, Adegbodu Twins by their admirers who thrilled guests till mama call.
Speaking with TopNewsng in a separate interview shortly after the event, a son of the deceased, Otunba Bobasaye of Okemesi, Chief Kayode Olagunju described his Dad as a committed father who doesn’t allow anyone to toy with all his children when alive.
“He was a good man, hardworking, humbled and a team builder per excellent. Hardly you can find him see things falling apart and he always want everything to go on well and he can go extra miles to make that happen.
According to him, “My Dad was so caring, he was a lover of peace and very concerned about the development of Okemesi community in general. He served God wholeheartedly and always want to see God’s work progresses daily. As his children, we cherished his lifestyle and we pray that God Almighty will continue to keep us in sound health.
He thanked the Almighty God for preserving his life and for the sound health he and his family has been enjoying.
His words: “I’m happy and fulfilled with what I witnessed today. I had the opportunity of hosting the richest man in Ekiti State alongside other prominent personalities including our Royal father. I’ll forever be grateful to God for His provisions, care, love and for being merciful towards our families. It has been the mercy of God that kept me and other family members till this moment. I’m elated today and so grateful to God and all my well-wishers who have celebrated with me both home and abroad. I thank God for showing us his infinite mercy”.
The first daughter of the deceased, Mrs Olufunke Ogunniran (Nee Olagunju) who could not hold her joy thanked all the families and friends and the people of Okemesi for gracing the occasion despite their busy scheduled.
“My Dad was so caring, loving and generous. He was one in a million because he was a trustworthy father who don’t joke with his children. Anyone that came across him will feel that agape love in him because he was a lover of his community and the people.
She urged all and other well-wishers to continue praying for the family left behind by the deceased for God’s guidance and protection over them and wish them back to their various destinations.
Pa Adeniran was born into the family of Pa Josiah Olagunju and Madam Adebanke Olagunju.
He was the first born of his mother. He grew up among the many children from the three wives of his father.
In his early days, he worked in a construction company, T.A Oni and Sons LTD owned by late Chief T.A Oni, an illustrious son of Okemesi. He later secured employment with the old Western Region of Nigeria Civil Service, precisely the Social Welfare Office.
When Ondo state was created, his service was transferred to the Ondo state civil service.
He retired from civil service and became a building contractor to the Ondo state government where he was appointed the vice chairman of association of Ondo state government contractors.
Pa Adeniran was married to three wives with many children. Even though he wasn’t privileged to have a formal western education, he managed to acquire some level of literacy through his association with highly educated people in the society.
Pa Joel lived a humble lifestyle and was rich in character. He was a good father to his children and a loving husband to his wives. He was generous, honest, diligent, trustworthy, God fearing and peace-loving. With his limited resources, he trained his children and today, many of them are degree holders and professional experts in various disciplines. He showed interest in,and extended helping hands to other people within and outside the Olagunju fold. He was a builder and a rallying figure within the family circle, the Okemesi community and his place of abode in Ondo and Ekiti states.
He served Okemesi community in various capacities. He was the sitting chairman of Okemesi Improvement Unions (FOIU) of Ondo and Ekiti states branches combined till his demise.
Pa Joel Olagunju also played a prominent role during the renovation of the Obas Palace between 1976 and 1978 in conjunction with the likes of late Chief Fagbohun, Chief Sola Fapohunda and others.
He was a devout Christian of CAC denomination. He was a socialite, a patriot and also endowed with a high sense of humor. This was reinforced by his natural gift of sweet and sonorous voice. He loved and was loved by people that ever came across him. He touched many lives. His legacies and ideals will continue to endure and make his memory evergreen in the heart of all men and women that knew him or heard of his good deeds.
Some of the dignitaries include the Owa-Ooye of Okemesi-Ekiti; His Royal Majesty Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, Ariyowonye II, Owa-Ooye-In-Council, lawmaker representing Okemesi/Ido-Ile in the Ekiti State House of Assembly; Hon. Johnson Oyekola Bode-Adeoye, Chief Bukola Oluwadiya, former Deputy Speaker in the Ekiti Assembly; Hon. Shina Animashaun, Chairman House of Assembly Commission; Hon. Kayode Ayayi Fasakin
Others are Otunba Atuluse of Okemesi; Chief Lucas Akinwale, Barrister Chief Ishola Fapohunda, Bashorun ‘Goke Omidiran, Dr Yinka Olagunju, Engr. Dokun Ekunola, Mr. Kelvin Ikuku, members of The Likes Group led by their Mayor; Mr Shina Bode-Adeoye, FOIU National Secretary; Prince Adetayo Adeniran, captains of industries, political officeholders and the hosts of others were in attendance.
TopNewsng wish Pa Joel Adeniran Olagunju eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
