Senator Adeola Olamilekan on Saturday struggled to hold back tears as the remains of his family head, Pa Michael Adelani Ogundimu, were laid to rest in Pahayi, Ilaro, headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The emotional moment occurred during the funeral service for the 86-year-old family head, whose death on July 14, 2026, left relatives, friends, political associates and community leaders mourning the loss of a respected elder and community leader.

Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 election, described the late Ogundimu as more than a family head, saying his presence provided guidance, stability and unity for the extended family over the years.

The funeral service, held at the United African Methodist Church, Pahayi, Ilaro, attracted dignitaries and well-wishers who gathered to honour the deceased, a former State Publicity Secretary of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD).

In his sermon, the Archbishop of the Diocese of African Church, Ogun State, Most Reverend Noah Olabisi, described Ogundimu as a man who lived a life of service to God, his family and humanity.

Olabisi said the deceased devoted much of his life to promoting the welfare of those around him, adding that his contributions to his family and community would remain part of his enduring legacy.

The Archbishop also commended Senator Adeola 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 name a senator whose record of service could rival Senator Yayi’s, particularly in constituency interventions and development initiatives.

Olabisi further expressed confidence in Adeola’s political future, declaring that his record of service had positioned him as a strong contender for the Ogun State governorship.

He urged the people of the state, particularly residents of Ogun West, to continue praying for the APC candidate as the state approaches the 2027 governorship election.

“From his record as a politician and public officer, he is the next governor of our dear state from Yewa-Awori stock. I see him in the future in Aso Rock,” the cleric said.

Speaking during the service, Adeola thanked God for the life of the deceased, saying Ogundimu was an elder whose presence provided direction, stability and unity for members of the extended family.

He said the deceased was a rallying point and source of wisdom for both younger and older family members, adding that his life was characterised by responsibility, humility, discipline and commitment to the welfare of others.

According to the senator, the family would greatly Miss Ogundimu’s counsel and leadership, particularly his ability to bring people together and resolve disputes when needed.

Adeola, however, said the burial was not only a moment of grief but also an opportunity to celebrate a life well lived, stressing that the best way to honour 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 funeral.

The APC governorship candidate also appreciated those who supported the family before, during and after the burial, saying their presence reflected the respect and goodwill the late Ogundimu commanded during his lifetime.

He urged family members to remain united and continue supporting one another, stressing that the legacy of their departed patriarch could best be preserved through love, unity and service to humanity.

Political leaders, traditional rulers, community figures, religious leaders, family members, friends and associates of the deceased attended the funeral ceremony. (The Nation)