Top politicians including the present governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde and his predecessors, Senators Rashidi Ladoja and Abiola Ajimobi were present at the burial of prominent businessman, Dr Lalekan Are on Friday.
During the church service held at the St. David Cathedral Church, Kudeti in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, the trio extolled the virtues of the deceased.
While speaking, Makinde described the late Are as a lover of peace and a great achiever who never hesitated to say his mind on any issue.
The governor said “I met the deceased few months after assumption of office and appreciated our government for our education policy. He told us we were on the right part.”
Makinde said Are’s uprightness and goodwill legacy would be remembered by the people of Oyo State and Nigeria in general.
Also, the immediate past Governor of the state, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, described the late Are as “a bridge builder and a straight forward man”, saying that the deceased lived a fulfilled life.
Ajimobi urged children of the late Are to sustain the good legacy left behind by their father.
In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop, Rev. Akintude Popoola, urged Christian to nurture and feed their souls with the words of God and live according to His direction.
“Material things will not follow anyone to the grave, but our soul. Therefore, feed your soul, nurture it because it is the only thing that will go with you to the grave,” Popoola said.
He described the late Are as “a great philanthropist, a silent giver, a lover of humanity and education who prioritised everything that would add value to life”.
Among dignitaries that attended the burial service were a former Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja and Mr Wale Babalakin, National President of Government College, Ibadan.
Several events were, earlier in the week held to honour the late respected Ibadanman who died on January 18 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
