The ancient town of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State stood in solemn reflection as family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered to pay their last respects to Pa Ezekiel Adebayo Omoniyi, whose remains were laid to rest with tributes celebrating a life of service, hard work and enduring values.
The funeral service that held at The African Church Ekiti Diocese, St. Silas’s Parish, Uro, Ikere-Ekiti, drew a large congregation of mourners who came to honour the memory of the respected community figure who passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 85.
Officiating ministers, led by Most Reverend J.B. Ayoko, reflected on the life and times of the deceased, highlighting the virtues that defined his journey and the positive impact he made on those around him.
The cleric urged those present to emulate the values of integrity, diligence, humility and dedication that Pa Omoniyi embodied throughout his lifetime, stressing that a meaningful legacy is built not by wealth alone but by the quality of one’s character and contributions to society.
Tributes poured in for the late patriarch, who was widely known as a hardworking and successful farmer. Family members described him as a man who devoted his life to the welfare and education of his children, ensuring they received the opportunities needed to succeed while instilling in them the values of discipline and perseverance.
Among those who paid glowing tributes was one of his sons, Engr. Enoch Omoniyi, Head of the Engineering Department at Adamimogo 105.1 FM Ibadan. He described his father as an exceptionally intelligent man whose brilliance extended beyond formal education.
According to him, Pa Omoniyi possessed an extraordinary intellect and practical wisdom that would have earned him recognition in academic circles had he been afforded the opportunity of higher education.
“He was a brainiac in every sense of the word. If he had gone through the university system, he would probably have become a distinguished professor. His knowledge, reasoning and understanding of life were remarkable,” he said.
Family members and friends also remembered the deceased as a loving father, mentor and community leader whose counsel was sought by many and whose commitment to family remained unwavering until his final days.
Following the church service, mourners proceeded to the graveside where Pa Omoniyi was committed to mother earth in the presence of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other loved ones.
As prayers were offered and final tributes rendered, many reflected on a life that spanned eight and a half decades, marked by hard work, resilience and a legacy that continues to live on through the generations he nurtured.
Pa Ezekiel Adebayo Omoniyi is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who pledged to uphold the values and principles he championed throughout his lifetime.
Though his earthly journey has ended, family members say his memory will remain a source of inspiration to all who knew him.
