Oyebanji Hails Late Sen Adeniyi’s Legacy On Selfless Service
…as Catholic Bishop Cautions Govt against Sponsoring Pilgrimage
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday joined other dignitaries to pay last respect at the burial of the late former National Assembly member, Senator Anthony Adeniyi, SAN, describing him as distinguished public servant who lived for the people and left behind a big legacy of selfless service.
The Governor who remarked on the exemplary life of the deceased, urged his children and family to be consoled by their fathers’ good works, remarkable achievements, and strong legacies which would take some time to surpass.
Speaking at the burial service held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Oke Ikere, Ikere Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji said the late Senator was one of the finest legislators Nigeria had ever produced, noting that his years in public service were marked by a strong commitment to the welfare and development of the people he represented.
The Governor recalled that the late Senator contributed to the execution of legacy projects through the merging of constituency fund by the three senators representing the state at the time, stresisng that such initiative demonstrated his understanding of the need to use public office to promote projects that would have wider benefits for the people.
While commiserating with the family and associates of the late senior lawyer, Governor Oyebanji urged the family to uphold the value the deceased represented, and prayed that God would grant them the strength to continue in his footsteps and preserve the legacy of their father.
The Governor said “ on behalf of the government of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the family of Senator Adeniyi, there is nothing much for me to say after Bishop Ajakaye’s homily, I will just encourage the family to hold on to God, Senator lived well and God will grant you strength to walk in his steps.
“In the 7th National Assembly, the three Senators merged their constituency fund together to do a legacy project, they did not take the money for themselves, if you know water corporation in Ado Ekiti, you will know that our government is trying to finish that project now, it was a constituency projects of Senators Ojudu, Adetunbi and late Anthony Adeniyi, same thing in the North and South. So, Senator Anthony lived for the people, and was one of the finest legislators Nigeria could ever produce. He was frank, courageous, extremely brilliant, fearless and speaks his mind”.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, described the late Senator Adeniyi as an accomplished lawyer, politician, educationist and community leader whose life was defined by service, leadership and professional excellence. He charged public office holders and other leaders to use their positions to serve the people and leave behind an enduring legacies,
The Bishop said the life and legacy of the deceased should serve as a reminder to public office holders and other leaders of the importance of putting the people at the Centre of their responsibilities and using their position to make meaningful contribution to society.
The Bishop also cautioned government against sponsoring religious pilgrimages and the construction of religious houses and palaces with public fund, urging them instead, to priorities projects and programmes that directly improve the welfare and living condition of the people.
The Catholic Bishop stressed that government resources should be directed towards addressing the needs of the people, including areas that would promote their wellbeing and improve their quality of life, saying such investment would constitute a more enduring service to humanity.
Also at the event were, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, former Governor Segun Oni, a former deputy Hovernor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; Chairman, Nigeria Port Authority, Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, former and serving members of the National Assembly, among others.
