PIUS ADE BABALEYE (PAB)
Akungba-Akoko stood still as the Adefarati Lives On (ALO) Initiative stormed the ancient town in what can best be described as a carnival-like celebration of the enduring legacy of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, a former Governor of Ondo State.
Led by Elder Olasoji Adeuti Ologunowa, who also sponsored the entire event, and anchored by Pastor Samuel Olu Orunkoyi, the ALO Initiative team commenced the day’s activities with a solemn visit to the family house of the late sage. There, they paid homage and offered prayers at his tomb, reflecting on his impactful life and service.
Unfortunately, Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati, the current member representing Akoko South West/East Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, was unavoidably absent and could not receive the ALO Executive.
The event took a colourful turn when members of the ALO Initiative, joined by hundreds of other residents and admirers, marched in unison through the streets of Akungba. Donned in uniformed T-shirts and face caps bearing the image of Chief Adebayo Adefarati and the inscription “IT’S TOO EARLY TO FORGET ADEFARATI IN ONDO STATE,” the atmosphere was charged with chants, songs, and heartfelt tributes to the late icon. Over 1,000 branded shirts and caps—costing an estimated ₦2.5 million—were distributed free of charge, all fully funded by Elder Ologunowa.
The materials were produced and delivered from Lagos through Pius Ade Babaleye, the Coordinator of Who is Who in Akungba platforms and a prominent executive member of the ALO Initiative. His involvement brought additional visibility to the event and further united the Akungba community.
The symbolic walk began from Adefarati’s residence, down the road now named after him—Chief Adebayo Adefarati Road—proceeding to Araromi Junction and other strategic points across Akungba town. As the crowd moved, the chants of “IT’S TOO EARLY TO FORGET ADEFARATI!” echoed through the streets, reminding onlookers of the former governor’s contributions, particularly to the development of Ondo State and Akungba land.
In his passionate address, Elder Olasoji Ologunowa expressed deep disappointment at the Ondo State Government’s failure to immortalize Chief Adefarati. He questioned why past leaders like Dr. Olusegun Agagu had a university named after him in Okitipupa, and even Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who is still alive, had a Senate building named after him within Adekunle Ajasin University—while Chief Adefarati, who contributed immensely to education and governance in the state, remains unrecognized.
Pastor Samuel Olu Orunkoyi, who anchored the rally, called on Hon. Tope Agbulu, the House of Assembly member representing Akoko South West Constituency II, to sponsor a bill to officially immortalize Chief Adebayo Adefarati. He also urged Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati to leverage his position in the National Assembly to lobby the State Governor and relevant stakeholders toward this just cause.
Pius Ade Babaleye (PAB), who covered the event on behalf of Who is Who in Akungba platforms, encouraged the people to continue pressing the Ondo State Government until concrete steps are taken to honour the legacy of one of Ondo State’s most visionary leaders. He also noted that the ALO Initiative plans to make this remembrance an annual event to sustain the memory and ideals of Chief Adebayo Adefarati.
Indeed, as the chants of the people echoed and the t-shirts proudly displayed, it was clear that Chief Adebayo Adefarati is not forgotten—and with efforts like the ALO Initiative, his legacy is destined to live on.