Akure, the ever-vibrant capital of Ondo State, came to a reverent halt as dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers from across the nation gathered to pay their last respects to a man whose life epitomised dignity, service, and love, Chief Joseph Agboola Bayode, father of renowned humanitarian and founder of Dorian Home, Tolulola Bayode.
It was a solemn yet celebratory occasion that brought together the high and mighty, political stalwarts, royal fathers, and a multitude of admirers.
From Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Minister of Youths Ayodele Olawande, and from former Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, to Presidential Aide on Food Security, Yejide Ogundipe, the event drew an impressive list of Nigeria’s crème de la crème.
Also present was Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Executive Director of Corporate Services at the NDDC.
Traditional institutions were not left out. The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesinmbo Kiladejo, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, led an array of royal fathers who came to honour a man they described as “a pillar of his community and a bridge between tradition and progress.”
Other notable attendees included Asiwaju Tobi Lawal, Mr Femi Meshe, the Comptroller of Customs for Ondo/Ekiti Command, Morenikeji Bewaji, Major General Raymond Ochei, and several lawmakers and dignitaries.
The funeral service, held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area, was marked by heartfelt tributes and soul-stirring hymns.
Chief Bayode’s children; Tolulola, Folayemi Bankole, and Mogbonjubola Bayode, led the family in giving their patriarch a befitting farewell, marked by grace and gratitude.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo, Bishop Stephen, urged all present to reflect on the brevity of life and live with wisdom.
He described Chief Bayode as “a devout Christian, a man of integrity, and a silent philanthropist whose acts of kindness rippled across families, communities, and generations.”
“Pa Bayode served God and humanity with unwavering faith and humility,” the Bishop said. “He gave not only from his wealth but also from his heart, uplifting the downtrodden and instilling moral excellence in his children.”
Mrs Bola Fagbele, speaking on behalf of the family, described their late father as “a rare gem, a disciplinarian with a soft heart, and a man whose generosity was as boundless as his wisdom.”
Tolulola Bayode, visibly moved, paid glowing tribute to her father, saying, “He was my first teacher, my unwavering supporter, and a fountain of love and counsel. Daddy’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, quiet strength, and enduring faith.
“His legacy lives on in the values he instilled and the lives he touched.”
After the interment, guests were treated to a lavish reception at Ejioba High School, Oba-Ile, where the atmosphere turned festive.
Apala maestro Musiliu Haruna Ishola and legendary highlife icon Chief Ebenezer Obey thrilled the audience with nostalgic tunes that celebrated Chief Bayode’s impactful journey.
In a gesture of appreciation and generosity that mirrored their father’s values, the children of the deceased distributed souvenirs including gas cylinders, bags of rice, and electric fans to guests.
Chief Joseph Agboola Bayode who died at the age 84 years may have departed this world, but his name continues to resonate as a man of peace, principle, and profound purpose, a father not just to his children, but to many whose paths he illuminated.
