Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State was virtually brought to a standstill on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December, 2025, as ACCIMMA President, Mrs. Funmi Ade-Ojo, alongside her siblings, laid their father, Late Pa. Francis Kayode Owoeye (1933–2025), to rest in a grand and befitting manner.
The two-day burial rites attracted high-profile personalities from across Nigeria and beyond, with dignitaries, captains of industry, traditional rulers, clergy, political leaders and associates of the family converging on the ancient town to honour the respected patriarch. Guests flew in from different parts of the world, turning Efon-Alaaye into a hive of activities as love and respect for Baba took centre stage.
The two-day burial ceremony kicked off on Thursday with a colourful and emotional moment as the body of Late Pa. Francis Kayode Owoeye departed Ado-Ekiti in a symbolic horse charade procession en route to Efon-Alaaye, a spectacle that drew admiration from onlookers along the route. On arrival, the body was received at the Owoeye family compound, Oke Oniyo, for a solemn lying-in-state, where family members, friends and sympathisers filed past to pay their final respects.
This was followed by a well-attended wake-keep ceremony at the Emirate Event Centre, which turned into a night of deep reflection and celebration of a life well lived. Heartfelt tributes, soul-lifting hymns and glowing testimonies flowed freely, as speakers described Pa. Owoeye as a man of integrity, a devoted family man and a respected community pillar whose influence touched many lives.
On Friday, the funeral service held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pentecost Parish (Zonal Headquarters), Iwaji-Ipole Junction, was filled to capacity. In an inspiring sermon, the officiating minister charged the congregation to emulate the virtues of humility, faith and service exemplified by the late Pa. Owoeye. Interment followed immediately in a private family ceremony.
Thereafter, guests were lavishly entertained at Skelly Banqueting Hall, Abule Owagbon Street, off Itawure Road, where music, laughter and warm interactions reflected a true celebration of a fulfilled life.
Late Pa. Francis Kayode Owoeye is survived by his wives and children: Imisioluwa Iwaloye Obagunla, Mrs. Funmi Ade-Ojo married to Mr. Sola Ade-Ojo, Mrs. Olubunmi Sanni (late), Mr. Bamidele Owoeye, Mr. Sunkanmi Owoeye, Mrs. Jumoke Oshonuga, Mrs. Ololade Adedeji, Mr. Lekan Owoeye, Mrs. Oluwaseun Owoeye, Mr. Busayo Owoeye, and Mrs. Olayemi Owoeye, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Indeed, it was a burial that shut down Efon-Alaaye, as personalities from all walks of life and across the world gathered to bid a final farewell to a man widely described as a father to many and a life well lived.