Kunle Adelabu & Odede Efezino Kenneth
-As Aroyewun, Sanusi, council chieftains honour late CM
The remains of former Head of Administration/Council Manager, Amuwo -Odofin Local Government, Mr Olakunle Bakare, was laid to rest at his home in Igbogbo after a month of his passing in India on March 15.
Late Bakare, who was 59 years, was a leading Chairmanship aspirant in the last Local Government Elections in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA.
He was buried amidst tears as many that were unable to control their emotions cried when they saw his remains in casket during the service and while he was being lowered for his final journey home.
His remains were interred after a Christian service at the Miksson Onas Hall, along Igbogbo/Bola Tinubu/Igbe Road, Igbogbo with large number of family members, local government senior officials and staff across council areas in Lagos, associates and residents of Igbogbo in attendance.
Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, where the late Council Manager worked for many years; Prince Lanre Sanusi (PLS), Executive Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LG, where he was the Council Manager until his death and the House of Representatives aspirant in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency were in attendance.
Also, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, sent his staff of office and was also represented by some of his chiefs led by Chief Jelili Sanni, the Ayangade of Igbogbo.
Guests in attendance were provided the opportunity to see the remains of late Bakare whom many described as a kind and humble person while alive, when his casket was opened for viewing in the hall before the service.
The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, addressing the crowd described late Bakare as one of those that trained him and others while growing up in Igbogbo. He added that he was a generous human person and a supporter of good things.
The Council Chairman, while thanking his Amuwo Odofin colleague for his roles in bringing back the remains of late Council Manager and his burial, also acknowledged the interventions of Rep. Babajimi Benson in bringing back the deceased body to Nigeria.
“I also want to greet my boss Hon Babajimi Benson because before we brought back his body, we had issues and he put a call through to the Nigerian ambassador in India and we did a meeting with them and it all became easy.
“All the money we used to bring his body back, the Chairman, Amuwo Odofin did not allow Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA to drop a penny and when I insisted he said no and emphasised that it was his council’s responsibility to do. I am very grateful and the entire family is saying thank you,” Aroyewun said.
Amuwo Odofin Chairman, Prince Sanusi also speaking extended his condolences to the family of Late Bakare and the entire Igbogbo people, while stating that the deceased was a good administrator.
Ayangade of Igbogbo Kingdom, Chief Sanni, also speaking on behalf of the royal father enjoined guests to learn from the positive tributes the death of the prominent Igbogbo son attracted.
He also gave a royal commendation to the Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LCDA.
Widow of the late Bakare, Mrs. Funmi Bakare in her own tribute said her husband was a blessing to her life and a caring man.
“Olakunle my beloved husband was a great blessing in my life. He was a caring and supportive husband, always for me in good times and in difficult times. Olakunle always put his family first.
“He worked hard, made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that his home was filled with peace, care and love.
“Olakunle had a heart that touched everyone around him. He fondly called me “Alayo Mi”. My dear husband, the love we share will forever remain in my heart, the bond we shared can never be broken even by death. You were a gift to me and I will carry you in my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you my love.
“Rest peacefully Olakunle mi.”
Teniola Bakare, one of the children of the deceased described him as a hard worker who found strength in his sacrifices.
“He worked hard, not just for himself, but for us. His strength was in his sacrifices, in the way he showed up, in the way he gave his all even when it wasn’t easy. And yet, he still found joy. He still laughed. He still made life feel warm and worth living. Anyone who knew my dad, knows he loved his children, I would always cherish the special way he loved me.
“Losing him feels like losing a part of myself. There is a silence now where his voice used to be, a space where his laughter once lived. But even in that loss, I carry him with me — in my strength, in my resilience, and in the love I give to others,” she said
Master Kehinde Oluwatunmise Bakare, son of the deceased in his own tribute to his late father said:
“My father, Mr. Olakunle Olarewaju Bakare, was more than a parent to me, he was my Lord, protector, teacher, and greatest supporter.
“He was loving, kind, hardworking, prayerful, disciplined, wise and strong.
“I will always remember the way he encouraged us to stay strong, trust God and never give up in life.
“Thank you my most loved father.”
Barr. Leke Bakare, a community leader in Igbogbo and brother of the deceased paying tribute to his late brother said he touched many lives.
“It is difficult for me to write this tribute, because he’s special. The loss of him is felt deeply by many, even though he lived a fulfilled life. God must have given you to us to liven up our lives, to make our lives more complete. He was the knot that tied us all.”
Another brother of the deceased who is also a community leader, Mr Adewale Odumuyiwa, said in his own tribute:
“It is still so hard to believe that you are gone. Brother Kunle, your sudden departure has left a deep ache in our hearts – a void that words can hardly express. You were more than an older cousin to me; you were a big brother in every sense of the word.
“You carried yourself with strength, dignity and grace. There was something steady and reassuring about you – yet beneath that calm presence was a fierce, unshakable spirit. You were a man of strong principles. You did not tolerate being cheated or trampled upon – not for a moment. Injustice stirred something powerful in you and you would rise immediately, boldly and unapologetically, to confront it.
“Though you were a man, you fought with a courage and tenacity many would describes as “like a man” But truly, you fought like yourself – fearless, resolute, and unyielding.
“You had warrior’s spirit and a protector’s heart.”
Biography Of Late Olakunle Bakare
Bakare Olakunle Olarewaju was born on the 10th of May, 1967 to Chief Olatunji Bakare from Igbogbo, Ikorodu Division and Late Chief (Mrs) Olayinka Olufunmilayo Bakare (Nee Banjo) from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He started his elementary school at Lady-Lak Primary School, Bariga in Shomolu. He proceeded to St. Anthony’s Grammar School Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
He got admitted into University of Benin, then Bendel State, where he studied Sociology & Anthropology. He graduated with 2:1 second class upper. He did his NYSC in Niger State.
He was employed by the Lagos Local Government Service Commission as Personnel Officer II Grade Level 08.
Thereafter, he was posted to Lagos Island Local Government. He was the Personal Assistant to the then Lagos Island Local Government Chairman Late Prince Ademola Adeniji Adele in the year 1996. He was posted to Alimosho Local Government. He held several positions until the then Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the 37 LCDAs in October, 2003. That same year he was deployed to Egbe-Idimu LCDA as the Administrative Area Officer. In 2006, he was appointed as Human Resources Officer. The first (HRO) in Egbe-Idimu LCDA in the year 2014. He was appointed Head of Administration/Council Manager and was deployed to Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA (2014-2017), then deployed to Lekki LCDA 2017-2020, Epe Local Government 2020-2023, Council Manager Amuwo-Odofin Local Government 2023 – till date.
He holds B.Sc in Sociology & Anthropology, M.P.A, Human Resource and Personnel Management, M.B.A in Business Administration. He was also a Fellow of the C.I.P.M and Member of C.I.L.P.A.N and N.I.P.M
He loved football and was a staunch fan of Chelsea Football Club of England. He loved traveling abroad and had passion for reading.
He married his precious wife Olufunmilayo Bakare a few years ago. The union is blessed with wonderful children who are doing well.
