Tag: Deji Falae

The remains of Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Deji Falae were yesterday laid to rest after a service at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral Church in Ijomu, Akure, the state capital.

The late Deji was the son of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae.

He was one of the 15 persons that died in the October 3 Associate Airline plane crash.

The plane was conveying the remains of former Governor Olusegun Agagu, some government officials and the late Agagu’s relatives from Lagos to Akure when it crashed.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Simeon Borokini, urged the people to be God-fearing.

He said: “No matter what you have, it will expire the day you die. You will be called to eternal rest one day and it may be soon. The promises of God for mankind are true. Be mindful of your dealings and be committed to the service of God.”

Falae’s widow, Ezeh, and children, Ayomide, Wonuola and Oreoluwa, were speechless throughout the funeral.

Many people, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Kemi, wept uncontrollably at the cemetery as Omega Undertakers lowered the golden casket containing the late Falae’s remains into the grave.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his Commissioner for Integration and Inter-governmental Affairs Funminiyi Afuye.

Speaking with reporters shortly after the interment, Mimiko described the late Falae as “a humble, passionate and hardworking government official, who recorded unprecedented achievements in the ministry assigned to him”.

He said: “Deji was a well-bred young man. He was humble, knowledgeable, dedicated and had an unusual zeal for work. He cared for everybody, no matter your status in life, and had a soft spot for the less-privileged.

“Within the short period he was commissioner for culture and tourism, he added value to the system. He was very dear to every member of the state executive and Ondo State will miss him.”

Commissioner for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education Remi Olatubora described his late colleague as “a humble man, who was down to earth”.

The late Falae, a lawyer, is survived by his father, mother, siblings, wife and three children.

Ayodeji Olaniran, the second son of Chief Olu Falae, who died in the October 3 Associated Airline plane crash in Lagos will be buried today.

Venue is Saint David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

A statement on behalf of one of the in-laws and signed by Ikemefuna Akinjide Okafo, described the late Ondo State Commissioner as “an embodiment of humility, honesty and charming charisma”.

To the Okafos, members of the Falae family have lost a gem “and a leader of this generation who touched our lives in a way that only you could. We will never forget the smile and laughter you brought to our faces. Your work here is done and what a great job you did. Now rest in the arms of the one who sent you, and has called you back to his glory”.

The statement reads: “The entire Okafo family sympathises with our dear in-laws, the Falaes, on the loss of their son, husband, father and brother, Ayodeji Olaniran Falae.

“What more can be said about this great man that has not been said already, ever since your untimely death on October 3, 2013. I have read so many tributes and testimonies of the truly exceptional man my brother was. Your unique qualities – humility, honesty, and, of course, your charming charisma are unequalled.

“I remember the day yourself and brother Dapo stopped over in our house on your way to Akure and offered to give me a ride to Ife. Good thing I said yes. The two-hour journey seemed just like 10 minutes, as you and brother Dapo filled the car with laughter, now that day remains only a memory. “This memory of your infectious laughter and warmth, joke after joke, I will never forget. You made everyone so comfortable and at ease in what ever situation and I’m sure as calm and enjoyable as heaven sounds, your presence would definitely be noticed.”

The family of the late Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Deji Falae, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism yesterday held a candlelight procession to mark the deceased’s posthumous birthday.

The lawyer would have turned 43 yesterday.

He was the son of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and former Finance Minister, Chief Olu Falae.

Deji died in last Thursday’s plane crash in Lagos.

The procession began at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre in Akure at 6pm.

Artistes and political office holders, dressed in black attires, tearfully sang mournful songs.

One of them, Mr. Tomogun Olubunmi, described the late commissioner as a man with “imbued talents”.

He said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism witnessed tremendous development under the late Deji’s leadership.

Olubunmi said: “It is sad that we lost a man like Deji at this moment. His death has brought sadness to many of us, who had personal relationships with him. He is one of the finest gentlemen I have ever worked with. He is intelligent and very hardworking. He transformed the ministry.”

Also yesterday, Governor Olusegun Mimiko said he appointed the late Deji as a commissioner on merit and not because of his father’s connections.

During his second visit to Falae’s Akure home, Mimiko said the late Deji performed excellently as a commissioner.

The governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Olukemi, and the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, said: “For us in government, he was a star in every dimension. The late Deji did not become commissioner because he was Olu Falae’s son. He earned the position on merit. When we came back again, he was appointed commissioner based on his outstanding performance in the assignment we gave him in that ministry.

“The late Deji was an excellent commissioner and an epitome of humility, despite his family background. But we cannot question God. We have to submit to His will.”

Falae described his late son as loving and accommodating.

He said the deceased impacted positively on the lives of the less-privileged and never brought shame to the family.