‘Immortalise Late Adebayo Adefarati now’ – Group tells Ondo, Federal Govts

…. Holds remembrance rally in Akungba-Akoko

The Federal an the Ondo State governments have been asked to immortalise the late former Governor Adebayo Adefarati in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state.

This came to the fore at a carnival-like remembrance rally held in Akungba-Akoko by the ‘Adefarati Lives On Initiative’, years after the demise of the former Governor.

The sponsor of the event, Elder Olasoji Adeuti Ologunowa questioned the lack of formal state recognition for Adefarati, noting that other past leaders such as Dr. Olusegun Agagu and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko have been immortalised with institutions and buildings named after them.

He described as “unfair,” pointing out that Adefarati’s legacy deserves equal, if not greater, recognition.

Adding his voice, Pastor Orunkoyi echoed these sentiments, calling on Hon. Tope Agbulu to initiate a legislative process to honour Adefarati officially. He also urged Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati, a member of the National Assembly, to champion the cause through national channels.

The remembrance events commenced with a solemn visit to the family residence of the late statesman, where prayers were offered at his tomb.

The tribute evolved into a symbolic rally through major streets in Akungba, with hundreds of participants dressed in branded T-shirts and caps bearing Adefarati’s image.

The crowd chanted a resounding message: “It’s too early to forget Adefarati in Ondo State!” Items worth an estimated ₦2.5 million were freely distributed during the rally, courtesy of Elder Ologunowa’s sponsorship and the logistical support of Pius Ade Babaleye, Coordinator of the Who is Who in Akungba platform and an executive of the ALO Initiative.

The procession followed a historic route, beginning at Adefarati’s home, along the road named in his honour, Chief Adebayo Adefarati Road, past Araromi Junction and other strategic landmarks in the town.

Akungba-Akoko came alive in a flood of emotion, unity, and remembrance as the Adefarati Lives On (ALO) Initiative staged a grand rally in honour of late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, former Governor of Ondo State. The town stood still in tribute to a man whose legacy in leadership, education, and service remains unmatched, decades after his passing.

The commemorative event began with a solemn visit to the family house of the late icon, where prayers were offered at his tomb. Spearheaded and fully funded by Elder Olasoji Adeuti Ologunowa, coordinated and anchored by Pastor Samuel Olufemi Orunkoyi, the event reflected both reverence and gratitude.

In what soon turned into a symbolic parade, hundreds of residents and admirers dressed in custom T-shirts and caps bearing Adefarati’s image marched through Akungba’s streets.

The message was clear and repeated in chants: “It’s too early to forget Adefarati in Ondo State!” The branded materials, worth about ₦2.5 million, were distributed freely courtesy of Elder Ologunowa’s sponsorship and logistics support from Pius Ade Babaleye, Coordinator of the Who is Who in Akungba platform and a prominent executive member of the ALO Initiative.

Meanwhile, Babaleye assured that the ALO Initiative would continue to organize this remembrance annually, until the ideals and memory of Chief Adebayo Adefarati are rightfully etched in the history of Ondo State.

As the rally drew to a close, the call remained loud and clear: the people of Ondo State, led by the ALO Initiative, are not ready to let the memory of Chief Adebayo Adefarati fades unnoticed. With a commitment to make the remembrance an annual event, the legacy of the man they call “a visionary and selfless leader” is set to be remember in both memory and action.