Ekiti, Ondo will give Olumilua befitting burial, says Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said that the governments of Ekiti and Ondo states would work out a modality to give the former governor of old Ondo State, Bamidele Olumilua, a befitting burial. Olumilua passed on Thursday at 80 years of age.

Fayemi, who stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Olumilua family in Ikere Ekiti, said himself and his Ondo counterpart, Olurotimi Akeredolu, had commenced discussion on how best to honour the deceased and give him a memorable burial without breaching the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) protocols.

Governments of the two states, he disclosed, would discuss with the family of the late former governor and agree on the burial arrangements. According to Fayemi, Olumilua, who governed Ondo and Ekiti states between 1992 and 1993, spent 80 glorious years full of sacrificial services and commitment to his country and the world before he breathed his last.

The governor was received by the eldest son of the deceased and Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Olumuyiwa Olumilua; the two bereaved wives, Bolatito and Oluwayimika; family members and other sympathisers.

He described the former governor as a man of peace, purpose and character who was dedicated to service to the people, his community and God to the best of his ability.

Commenting on the political life of the Ikere-born politician, Fayemi said, “Olumilua was integrity personified, compassion personified, a man of reputable character who reflected and represented the best of Ekiti in the numerous capacities he served the state, the nation and the globe.” Olumilua’s death is not a loss to Ondo and Ekiti states alone, but to Nigeria and the whole world… “because he was a man of international standard,” he added.

Earlier, the commissioner, on behalf of the family, said his father lived a good and fulfilled life that called for celebration instead of mourning. He thanked the governor for finding time to commiserate with the family.