The Ondo State Governor , Lucky Aiyedatiwa has eulogised the former Military Governor of old Ondo State, Late Major General Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye describing him as an epitome of humility who ensured that peace permeated his tenure in the state.

Major General Ekundayo Opaleye who was a Colonel in the Nigerian Army when he was governor of the old Ondo State that comprised the present Ekiti and Ondo States from August 1986 till December 1987; died on 18th November, 2023 and was laid to rest after series of events in Abeokuta , Ogun State.

Addressing dignitaries at the Wake-keep the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa represented by his Deputy , Chief Olayide Adelami, mni, said the late General was a total man who gave all to the service of humanity and particularly the people of old Ondo State

“His peaceful disposition permeated all strata of government organs, Public Service, towns and villages across Ondo State.

“Despite being a Military Officer, he showed respect to our Royal Fathers but was equally firm on issues of state,
doing the right thing always.

Also at the Church Service held at the Green Legacy resorts hall of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, Abeokuta, Governor Aiyedatiwa represented by his Deputy acknowledged the late Major General Opaleye for his diligence and forthrightness.

He said the late Military Governor of the old Ondo State introduced due process which the state is still following till now and he was also noted for due diligence. .
“In fact his tenure was the first contact
of our Public Service with Due Process in governance as he introduced it., the governor remarked.

The governor enjoined fathers to remain pillars of support to their respective families so that enduring testimonies would be said after their departure.

Also in his address during the Church Service, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described late Major General Ekundayo Opaleye as a Nigerian patriot who epitomised courage, integrity, leadership and commitment to not just the Nigerian Army but the entire country as a whole.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Gov Abiodun noted that the late Major General Opaleye played several roles while in the active service of the Nigerian Army amongst which were: Military Administrator of old Ondo State, Corp Commander of the Nigerian Engineers and Commanding the OAU’s neutral military observer Corp in Rwanda as well as his role in the country’s peace Agreement.

In his sermon, Most Superior Evangelist Olusegun Olarinde, noted that death is a debt, saying no matter how one lives on earth, one day he will surely die because everything that has a beginning also has an end.

Most Superior Evangelist Olarinde said General Opaleye gave his best to the service of God and equally respected the calling of every Priest in the vineyard of God.

“General Opaleye loved everything about God. He gave feely to the work of God. His respected everyone of us who were called to serve in the Priesthood. He was a great man”, the Clergy said.

He implored people that whatever their hands finds doing, they should do it diligently as well as extend hands of fellowship to other people,

The programmes which climaxed with a Reception held at Emfelix Event and Conference Centre where the Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun was personally present, expressed happiness that the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Chief Olayide Adelami who represented Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa patiently attended all the programmes put together to bid farewell to the late General Opaleye.

Major General Ekundayo Opaleye, aged 77 was the 6th National President of the Royal Union of Owu People and the Balogun Erunmu of Owu Kingdom.

On the entourage of the Ondo Deputy Governor was a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Olayemi Adeyemi.