* In Memory of High Chief Moses Ade Akinmade Akinmade: A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Generosity
* The Final Journey of Obamoluwa of Idanre
In the quiet embrace of Idanre, Ondo State, where the whispering palms sway to the rhythm of the cool breeze, the world of Honourable Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,, is wrapped in mourning as he prepares to lay to rest the man who shaped his world, his father, High Chief Moses Ade Akinmade.
Indeed, the loss of a father is a sorrow that time may soften but never erases, and for Akinmade, the weight of this grief is as profound as it is personal. As he stands on the precipice of farewell, the Media expert does so with the grace and grandeur befitting the Patriarch who instilled in him the virtues of faith, generosity, and love.
Like the setting sun casting golden hues upon the hills of Idanre, High Chief Moses Ade Akinmade, the revered Obamoluwa of Idanre Kingdom, has bowed to the mortality of man, leaving behind an indelible legacy of leadership, industry, and unwavering communal love. His departure on August 5, 2024, at the age of 98, signalled not just the loss of a patriarch but the end of a defining era.
For Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the weight of this loss is immeasurable. He has found himself traversing the labyrinth of grief, navigating the painful void left by the man who shaped his vision, values, and voice.
Born into the rich historical lineage of Idanre, High Chief Moses Akinmade was more than a titleholder; he was a custodian of wisdom, an astute agriculturist, and a model of entrepreneurial excellence. As a cocoa merchant, he did not merely trade in commodities—he traded in legacies, laying the economic foundation upon which many in Idanre thrived.
Beyond the clinking coins of commerce, the late high chief was a socialite whose presence illuminated gatherings. His affable nature, sagacious counsel, and unwavering commitment to communal prosperity made him the lifeblood of Idanre’s cultural tapestry. In a land where the echoes of ancestors guide the living, he was a voice of clarity, an elder whose words bore the weight of wisdom.
A Son’s Sorrow, A Nation’s Grief
For Kayode Akinmade, this loss is more than filial bereavement; it is akin to the toppling of a mighty iroko tree whose shade once offered comfort and counsel. Akinmade’s deep bond with his father was one forged in respect, admiration, and a shared commitment to service.
From the corridors of power in Ondo State where he served as a Commissioner to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly, where he also served as Special Adviser to former Speaker Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Akinmade carried with him the teachings of his father—integrity, diligence, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. His grief is the grief of a man who has lost not just a father but a guiding star.
For Akinmade, this moment is a defining one. The death of a father with whom one shares an unbreakable bond alters the very rhythm of existence. The warmth of fatherly wisdom, the certainty of paternal counsel, the sturdy shoulder of support—all now reside in memory rather than reality. Yet, even in this grief, there lies strength. For in the values that High Chief Akinmade instilled in his son, in the unshakable principles he embodied, Kayode Akinmade finds his path forward.
Just as the cocoa tree sheds its fruit yet remains rooted, so too shall Akinmade remain anchored in his father’s legacy, a living testament to the greatness that birthed him.
The news of High Chief Akinmade’s passing has sent ripples through the nation, drawing tributes from far and wide. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed profound sympathy, acknowledging the towering influence of the late high chief on his son’s illustrious career. Other dignitaries, political associates, and traditional rulers have extended their condolences, recognizing the monumental loss to Idanre and beyond.
From the esteemed halls of government to the hearts of everyday Nigerians, the eulogies have poured in, each one affirming the greatness of the man whose time on earth was marked by purpose and impact.
A Final Journey of Honour
As the family prepares to bid their final farewell, the funeral arrangements have been meticulously planned to reflect the grandeur befitting a man of High Chief Akinmade’s stature. On February 14, 2025, the wake-keep will take place at No. 30 Odolemo Street, Isalu Quarters, Odode Idanre, where his loved ones will gather to honour a life well-lived.
On February 15, 2025, the funeral service at the First Baptist Church, Idanre, will serve as a solemn yet celebratory moment, a confluence of mourning and gratitude. His final resting place will be his cherished residence, where the echoes of his laughter and wisdom shall forever linger. Guests, dignitaries, and loved ones will gather at Olofin Grammar School for a reception that will be more than a gathering—it will be a testament to a life well spent.
Interestingly, however, High Chief Moses Ade Akinmade did not merely live; he built, he inspired, and he led with peerless wisdom and grace. His legacy is not written in stone but in the lives he touched, the principles he upheld, and the family he left behind.
As the final dirges rise into the Idanre skies, as the final tributes are paid, one truth shall remain unshaken—High Chief Akinmade may sleep, but his legacy reigns forever.