Wake Keep Ceremony for Late Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni: Ode-Ekiti Stands Still as Comrade Idowu Afuye Bids Father Farewell
Ode-Ekiti, Ekiti State – Thursday, April 23, 2026
The ancient town of Ode-Ekiti, headquarters of Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was aglow with solemnity and reverence today as family, friends, political associates, and well-wishers converged to pay their last respects at the wake keep ceremony of *Late Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni*, father of *Comrade Idowu Afuye*, CEO of ISAPOL Consultancy Information Communication Firm.
*A Night of Tributes and Reflection*
The solemn event, held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Afuye family compound in Ode-Ekiti, drew a distinguished gathering from across Ekiti State and beyond. The ceremony commenced at 4:00 p.m. with an opening prayer led by the clergy, setting a tone of thanksgiving for a life well spent and comfort for the bereaved.
In his tribute, Comrade Idowu Afuye described his late father as _“a disciplinarian, community builder, and moral compass whose values of integrity, hard work, and service to humanity shaped the lives of his children and everyone who encountered him.”_ He noted that Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni was a devoted family man who instilled the virtues of education, selflessness, and fear of God in his household.
*Dignitaries and Sympathizers in Attendance*
The wake keep attracted a cross-section of Ekiti’s political, business, and traditional institutions. Present were party stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), local government officials, youth leaders, community elders, and representatives of various socio-cultural groups. The presence of colleagues from the media and strategic communication industry underscored Comrade Afuye’s wide network and reputation as a bridge-builder.
Traditional rulers and chiefs from Gbonyin LGA, clad in white to symbolize peace and transition, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for the family. Cultural troupes rendered dirges and traditional performances, reflecting the rich Ekiti heritage and the honour accorded to elders in the community.
*Life and Times of Late Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni*
While the family indicated that a full biography would be released during the burial service, sympathizers eulogized Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni as a man of quiet dignity who contributed immensely to community development in Ode-Ekiti. He was remembered as a farmer, devout Christian, and counselor to many young people in the community. His legacy, attendees noted, lives on through his children and the lives he impacted.
*Comrade Idowu Afuye Appreciates Sympathizers*
Visibly moved by the outpouring of love, Comrade Afuye, flanked by siblings and extended family members, expressed profound gratitude to all who stood by the family in their moment of grief.
_“My father, Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni, taught us that a good name is better than riches. Today, you have all honoured his name. We are grateful to the Governor of Ekiti State, party leaders, traditional rulers, friends, and the entire Ode-Ekiti community for your prayers, calls, and presence. May God reward you all,”_ he said.
He further announced that the Christian funeral service and interment would follow as scheduled by the family, with details to be communicated to the public in due course.
*Ode-Ekiti Community Stands with the Afuye Family*
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gbonyin Chapter, led an intercessory session for the family, while the choir of St. John’s Anglican Church, Ode-Ekiti, rendered hymns that brought comfort to many. The event also featured scriptural exhortations on the inevitability of death and the hope of resurrection, admonishing all to live lives of impact.
As night fell, candlelight processions and tributes continued, with many describing the late Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni as _“a father to all”_ whose demise has created a vacuum in the community.
*Condolences Pour In*
Since the announcement of Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni’s passing, condolence messages have continued to pour in from political leaders, captains of industry, and professional colleagues of Comrade Idowu Afuye, describing the death as a loss not just to the Ayeni-Afuye family but to Ode-Ekiti and Ekiti State at large.
The family has requested that friends and associates continue to remember them in prayers as they prepare for the final burial rites.
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_May the soul of Late Pa Adedayo Samuel Ayeni rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss._
COMRADE IDOWU AFUYE, CEO, ISAPOL CONSULTANCY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION FIRM.
