Former Ekiti Acting Governor Was A Progressive - Fayemi

The remains of the former acting Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Friday Aderemi were  laid to rest in his country home, Ayetoro Ekiti on Saturday amidst eulogies 

Speaking at the funeral service held at St Stephen's Anglican Church, Ayetoro, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi stated that "the historic feat" of the deceased was not to be achieved by "the lily livered" because of the oppressive and determined nature of the forces that Aderemi and his colleagues at the State Assembly fought against.

The Governor described the dispensation as one of the darkest points in the history of the State and required "character of the texture and substance displayed by late Sir Aderemi and other co-missioners.

Fayemi asserted that many people may not pay attention to what happened in the State between 16th and 18th October 2006 but the step taken by the deceased was aimed at rescuing Ekiti state.

"Sir Aderemi belonged to the early generations of Ekiti political elite who devoted their days the pursuit of Ekiti interest. He rose to prominence in the history of our dear state as providence thrust on him the onerous role as one of those who frontally led the resistance against the draconian leadership of the then Governor Mr Ayo Fayose. Though he was at the time a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, his progressive inclinations as a true son of Ekiti propelled him to work with other progressive elements to cause the impeachment of Mr Ayo Fayose", the Governor recalled.

While commending the virtues of the late former acting Governor, Fayemi affirmed that he was a true Ekiti patriot who had excelled in character and commitment to the service of the people.

The Governor added that though he did not know the deceased until the crisis that engulfed the State in 2006, he had worked closely with the late Aderemi during his lifetime as the Chairman of the State Education Trust Fund under the presennt administration. 

He described the passing of the deceased as painful but urged Ekiti people not to abandon the family of the deceased.

Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti-oke Anglican communion, Rt Revd Isaac Olubowale, said the deceased used his time and resources to serve God and the people.

The clergyman who noted that the next level of the life of man can only be achieved by God's grace because death comes without notice stated that whoever is into the politics of Nigeria and does not learn positively cannot make any change in his environment.

Olubowale urged politicians to emulate the life of sacrifice of the late Aderemi, saying that this is the only way for them to be remembered.

At the event were the Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Modupe  Adelabu, Speaker of the State Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin, the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi, Former Governor of old Ondo State, Evang. Bamidele Olumilua, members of the State House of Assembly, the State  Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Jide Awe, former lawmakers between 2003 and 2007 including Hon. Kayode Babade and Taiwo Olatunbosun among others.