By Babatunde Tiamiyu
The ancient town of Ede stood still as family, friends, and distinguished Nigerians gathered for the final burial ceremony of Chief Jonathan Adebunmi Adeleke, an eminent scholar, administrator, and revered community leader.
The ceremony celebrated the life of a man whose legacy as the former Principal of Baptist High School, Abepe, Ede, shaped the lives of countless individuals across the nation.
In a sermon, the Lead Pastor, United Baptist Church, Ede, Rev. Gideon Adejumobi called on the congregation to emulate the virtues displayed by the late Chief Adeleke whom he referred to as an embodiment of goodness and Godliness.
Speaking about the late educationist, the Publicity Officer Ede Elders Council, Chief Ayodele Adeyemo and President, Ede Descendants Forum, Dr. Ademola Olaitan, said late Chief Adeleke served as a bridge between the community and its traditional leadership.
On his part President, Ede Baptist High School Old Students’ Association, EBHSOSA, Dr. Charles Adesina, described Chief Adeleke as a mentor, role model and benevolent disciplinarian who molded many lives.
In an interview with Pensioners’ FM, the eldest Child of the family, Dr. Keji Adeleke, referred to their father’s transition as the end of an era for the family and Baptist High School community, where he remains a legend and a pillar.
Dr. Adeleke, thanked everyone that supported the family towards the success of the burial ceremony.
Dignitaries from across the Osun state and the education sector in Nigeria paid their final respects to a man whose death was described by the Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Lukman Afolabi, as a monumental loss to Edeland and humanity at large.
Hon. Afolabi, a former student of Chief Adeleke, recalled the late principal as a father figure whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.
The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal and other stakeholders also commiserated with Adeleke’s family, urging them to take solace in the evergreen impact the late chief made during his lifetime.
The burial rites included a series of solemn and inspiring moments, tributes and church service.
Among Dignitaries that graced the late Jonathan Adebunmi Adeleke’s burial ceremony include, his widow, Mrs. Deborah Adeleke, the Timi of Ede Land, represented by a delegation of his chiefs led by the Babasanya of Ede, High Chief Tunji Lawal, Onitede of Tede Land in Oyo State, Oba AbdulRauf Oladoyin, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Adedayo Adeoye, rtd., a retired Director of Programmes at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Mr. Ademola Adeniyi and members of Oluobinu Family Compound, Ede home and in diaspora.
