Akungba-Akoko came alive in a flood of emotion, unity, and remembrance as the Adefarati Lives On (ALO) Initiative staged a grand rally in honour of late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, former Governor of Ondo State. The town stood still in tribute to a man whose legacy in leadership, education, and public service remains unmatched, decades after his passing.
The commemorative event began with a solemn visit to the family house of the late icon, where heartfelt prayers were offered at his tomb. The rally was spearheaded and fully funded by Elder Olasoji Adeuti Ologunowa, and coordinated by Pastor Samuel Olufemi Orunkoyi, setting the tone for a day marked by reverence and unity.
In a colourful and symbolic procession, hundreds of residents and admirers donning branded T-shirts and caps bearing Adefarati’s image marched through the streets of Akungba. With chants echoing the slogan “It’s too early to forget Adefarati in Ondo State!”, the rally sent a strong message of remembrance and demand for justice to a legacy many believe has been sidelined. The branded materials, worth approximately ₦2.5 million, were freely distributed, courtesy of Elder Ologunowa’s generous sponsorship, with logistics support from Pius Ade Babaleye, the Coordinator of the Who is Who in Akungba platform and a prominent executive member of the ALO Initiative.
The rally’s route traced significant locations in Akungba, beginning at Adefarati’s residence and moving along the Chief Adebayo Adefarati Road, through Araromi Junction, and other strategic points. It was both a journey through memory and a clarion call to recognize a leader whose contributions have been instrumental in the development of the State.
Addressing the crowd, Elder Ologunowa questioned the selective honour accorded to other past leaders in the state, such as the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who have had institutions named after them. He lamented the neglect of Adefarati’s enduring legacy. “It is unfair,” he said, “that a man who gave so much to the development of this state is yet to be properly immortalized.”
Pastor Orunkoyi reinforced the demand for official recognition by urging Hon. Tope Agbulu to sponsor a legislative bill to immortalize the late governor. He also called on Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati, the son of the late leader and a serving member of the National Assembly, to use his influence to advocate for a lasting tribute at the federal level.
Pius Ade Babaleye assured the crowd that the ALO Initiative would not relent in its mission. He emphasized that the remembrance rally would now be held annually until the name and contributions of Chief Adebayo Adefarati are rightfully etched into the annals of Ondo State history.
As the rally drew to a close, the message from Akungba was clear and unwavering: the people of Ondo State, under the banner of the ALO Initiative, are determined to keep the legacy of Chief Adebayo Adefarati alive—not just in memory, but in tangible recognition and enduring honour.
