The funeral rites of Prof. Samuel Adepoju Aluko which started on March 1, 2011 were concluded on Saturday with the interment of his remains at Ode-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The remains of the late professor of Economics who was born on August 18, 1929 were buried on the premises of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ode-Ekiti amid songs of praise from his wife, children, relatives, dignitaries and everyone present at the colourful ceremony.
Governor Kayode Fayemi, who described Aluko as an epitome of honesty and integrity, said the late professor served mankind with all his strength.
He said the late economist could be regarded as the first governor of Ekiti State because he was the first District Official of Ekiti Province.
He added that Aluko wrote him a personal letter on his hospital bed on February 1 on how to expand the revenue of the state and that the state would immortalise the late economist.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the burial included the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Chief Bisi Akande; former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke; Mr. Segun Oni and Chief Jim Nwobodo.
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, caused a stir at the church when he arrived at the end of the service.
The appearance of the highly revered professor elicited shouts and clapping from the congregation.
One of the children of the deceased, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, during the vote of thanks said he was surprised to see Soyinka, who, he said, was ill.
Earlier, the retired Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Gideon Olajide, who delivered the sermon described the late Aluko as an incorruptible man who lived a life of service.
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