As the death of the former Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye clocks one year on October 19, 2023, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has described the late politician as an outstanding Ekiti patriot and achiever, who gave his best to make the State greater in all spheres.
Oyebanji said Afuye’s selfless service to humanity and strong belief in peace and development, remained the most prominent features that endeared the deceased to many citizens and which bolstered his popularity as a political actor.
The governor said this, today, while speaking at a special memorial service in Afuye’s honour, commemorating the one year of his demise held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ikere Ekiti.
Afuye, a lawyer and politician, died of cardiac arrest at the age of 66, while still serving as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
Oyebanji, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said every progressive politician of Ekiti extraction valued Afuye’s selfless and simple lifestyle, which he stated worth being emulated by his admirers.
“Though, we lost this dependable family man, reliable political juggernaut, illustrious son of Ikere Ekiti and an Ekiti Patriot exactly 365 days ago, but in actual sense, his memory continues to linger and resonates in our hearts.
“Let me say and emphasize that all Ekiti citizens wherever they may live will continue to honour this great son of our land for his excellent contributions to make this land better than he met it.
“And this should be a solace to all of us that he had lived the most precious and positively impactful life anyone can think of. All our politicians must do well,because there is always a day of reckoning.
“By all standards, Hon Funminiyi Afuye was an achiever, who worths being celebrated. May his soul continues to rest in the bosom of our Lord”.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s eldest son, Oluseye, appreciated Governor Oyebanji, his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and other political associates of his late father for their fraternity and support to the family.
He said the family will continue to contribute towards the growth of Ekiti State, Ikere town and the church of God to project the good image of his father.
In his short exhortation titled: ‘What will you be remembered for’, the Church’s Vicar, Venerable Lawrence Oladipupo, said the late Afuye, was a man of integrity and openness, which he said reflected in his private and public lives.
The Cleric added: “How profitable the life of a man is, is not measured by how long he lived, but it is about his contributions. It is what you lived for that will determine what you will be remembered for. If you people decided to forget him(Afuye), his good works and those he helped will never forget him.
“The deceased had tried his best. He had given his best to serve humanity and I want you to begin to ruminate whether people will remember you after your death at all. And if they do, will it be for good or bad reasons? Think about this”.
Dignitaries at the church procession include: Former Governor Kayode Fayemi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tolu Ibitola, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, lawmaker representing Ikere Constituency 1, Hon. Babatunde Oke, his counterpart in Ikere constituency 2, Hon. Tunde Idowu and lawmaker representing Gbonyin constituency, Hon. Teju Okuyiga,
Other are: Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, and Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Dolamu Adeniyi, former Majority Leader, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Kayode Babade, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, Hon. Kayode Fasakin, among others
