Ekiti APC chieftain dies at 93, Oyebanji, elders mourn

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Ekiti State Council of Elders have mourned the death of a prominent All Progressives Congress chieftain and community leader, Prince Gabriel Omodara, popularly known as Baba QC, describing his passing as a great loss to the state.

Omodara, a member of the Ekiti State Council of Elders and former chairman of the defunct Ekiti Central Local Government, died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 93.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described the late politician as a committed progressive whose contributions to politics, governance and community development would remain indelible in the history of Ekiti State.

The governor noted that Omodara played a significant role in strengthening the All Progressives Congress in the state, adding that his dedication, integrity and sound counsel earned him the admiration and respect of political associates and residents alike.

Furthermore, Oyebanji commended the late statesman’s achievements during his tenure as chairman of the former Ekiti Central Local Government, noting that he later devoted his life to community service and the mentoring of younger political leaders.

He also recalled that his last meeting with the nonagenarian gave no indication that he was unwell, describing the death as a painful loss to the APC, Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole, while extending his condolences to the bereaved family and praying for God to grant them the strength to bear the loss.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Council of Elders also paid glowing tribute to the deceased, with its General Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, describing Omodara as a respected community leader and a stabilising figure whose unwavering commitment to Christian values and Yoruba tradition distinguished him throughout his lifetime.

Ajibulu further described the late Omodara as a renowned grassroots mobiliser and influential political leader who made immense contributions to the growth and development of Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State, adding that his legacy of selfless service, leadership and dedication to humanity would continue to inspire future generations.