ABEOKUTA — The family head of the Ogun State APC governorship candidate, Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, late Chief Michael Adelani Ogundimu, was on Saturday laid to rest in Pahayi, Ilaro, amid tributes from family members, friends, political associates and community leaders.
The funeral service, held at the United African Methodist Church, Pahayi, Ilaro-Yewa, attracted dignitaries and well-wishers who gathered to pay their final respects to the octogenarian, who was described as a respected elder, community leader and politician.
The former State Public Secretary of the defunct, Alliance for Democracy (AD) died on July 14, 2026 at the age of 86.
In his sermon, the Archbishop, Diocese of African Church, Ogun State, Most Revd. Noah Olabisi, described the deceased as a man who lived a life of service to God, his family and humanity.
Olabisi noted that Chief Ogundimu devoted a significant part of his lifetime to promoting the welfare of those around him, stressing that his contributions to his family and community would remain a lasting part of his legacy.
The Archbishop also commended Senator Yayi for his contributions to public service, saying the lawmaker’s activities had demonstrated that elected representatives could make significant impacts beyond the conventional expectations of their offices.
He challenged Nigerians to identify a senator whose record of service could rival that of Senator Yayi, particularly in terms of constituency interventions and development initiatives.
Olabisi further expressed confidence in Yayi’s political future, declaring that his record had positioned him as a strong contender to become the next governor of Ogun State.
He urged the people of Ogun State, particularly residents of Yewa-Awori, to continue to pray for the APC candidate as the state moves towards the 2027 governorship election.
“From his records as a politician and public officer, he is the next governor of our dear state from Yewa- Awori. I see him in future in Aso Rock”
Speaking at the funeral, Senator Yayi expressed gratitude to God for the life of the deceased, describing Chief Ogundimu as an elder whose presence provided guidance, stability and unity for members of the extended family.
Yayi said the deceased was more than a family head, noting that he served as a rallying point and source of wisdom for younger and older members of the family alike.
According to him, Chief Ogundimu’s life was characterised by responsibility, humility, discipline and commitment to the welfare of others.
The senator said the family would miss the deceased’s counsel and leadership, particularly his ability to bring people together and resolve issues whenever the need arose.
Yayi described the burial as both a moment of grief and an opportunity to celebrate a life well lived, saying the best way to honour the memory of the deceased was for family members to uphold the values he represented.
He thanked relatives, friends, political associates, community leaders and other well-wishers who travelled from different parts of the state and beyond to identify with the family during the period of mourning.
The APC governorship candidate also appreciated those who supported the family before, during and after the funeral, saying their presence demonstrated the respect and goodwill that Chief Ogundimu commanded during his lifetime.
He urged members of the family to remain united and continue to support one another, stressing that the legacy of their departed patriarch could best be preserved through love, unity and service to humanity.
The funeral ceremony was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, community figures, religious leaders, family members, friends and associates of the deceased and the Yayi family.
