Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has shared a deeply moving account of his late elder brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, who passed away on 24th January 2025 at the age of 65.
The governor’s emotional tribute came during a service of songs held on Thursday evening at the State Government House Arcade in honour of the deceased. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), top government officials, traditional and religious leaders, who gathered to pay their last respects to Engr. Sunday Makinde.
Governor Makinde recounted his childhood experiences, highlighting the selfless sacrifices his late brother made to ensure the education and success of his younger siblings, including himself. He revealed how Engr. Sunday Makinde gave up his own university education to join the Nigerian Navy, thereby paving the way for his family’s academic achievements.
“My late elder brother sacrificed his own university education so that I and my other siblings could go to school. He joined the Nigerian Navy and gave his all just to ensure that we had a better future,” the governor said.
Describing his brother as a selfless, humble, and principled man, Governor Makinde emphasised that Engr. Sunday Makinde always prioritised family over personal ambition. He served as a father figure to his younger siblings, including the governor, and his decision to join the Navy alleviated the financial burden on their parents, who were of modest means.
“His sacrifice made all the difference in our lives. He showed us what true love and responsibility mean,” Governor Makinde added, his voice filled with emotion.
The heartfelt tribute moved many attendees, with family members, friends, and political associates visibly touched by the governor’s words.
Earlier in the service, Bishop T. B. Adelakun delivered a sermon titled “What is Life?”, drawing on scriptures from Job 14:1, John 14:1-6, Romans 14:12, Genesis 2:7, Ecclesiastes 12:8, and Hebrews 13:16. He urged the congregation to live impactful lives, emphasising that this is the true essence of human existence. Bishop Adelakun also cautioned against reckless living, particularly among those in positions of privilege, and stressed the importance of using one’s life, which he described as a gift from God, to better humanity.
The service of songs was filled with prayers, hymns, and glowing tributes from those who knew Engr. Sunday Makinde personally. His final rites are scheduled to take place on Friday, 6th February.
Among the notable dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Nigeria Conference of Speakers of the 36 state legislatures, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima; His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebayo Akande; and Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande. Also present were executive chairmen of local governments, state government functionaries, members of the PDP State Executive Council, and party chieftains.
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