Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Ekiti Council of Elders pay tribute to veteran politician and respected community leader Prince Gabriel Omodara

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Ekiti Council of Elders have paid glowing tributes to veteran politician, community leader and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Prince Gabriel Omodara, popularly known as “Baba QC,” following his death at the age of 93.

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Prince Omodara, a member of the Ekiti Council of Elders and former chairman of the defunct Ekiti Central Local Government, died in the early hours of Sunday, bringing to an end a distinguished public life that spanned several decades of political and community service.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji described the late nonagenarian as an unwavering progressive whose remarkable contributions to politics, grassroots mobilisation and community development left an enduring legacy across Ekiti State.

The governor said Prince Omodara’s passing was a profound loss to the All Progressives Congress, the progressive family, the people of Ado Ekiti and the entire state.

“Pa Omodara was one of the most dedicated leaders of the party, who worked tirelessly with other stakeholders to build a strong and enduring political structure for the APC in the state,” Governor Oyebanji said.

Governor Oyebanji also praised the late elder statesman as a man of integrity, wisdom and selfless service whose advice and experience would be deeply missed by generations of political leaders.

The governor recalled Prince Omodara’s tenure as chairman of the former Ekiti Central Local Government, which then comprised Ado and Ifelodun/Ifaki Local Government Areas, noting that the deceased made significant contributions to local governance and development.

According to Governor Oyebanji, Prince Omodara remained actively committed to community service long after leaving public office, dedicating his later years to mentoring younger leaders and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti State.

Reflecting on their last meeting, Governor Oyebanji said the late politician appeared healthy and remained passionately interested in the progress of the state.

“Pa Omodara lived a fulfilled life, served selflessly, and left behind a legacy of honour, integrity, and enduring impact,” the governor added.

Governor Oyebanji extended condolences to the Omodara family, members of the APC and residents of Ado Ekiti, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those mourning his passing.

The Ekiti Council of Elders also described Prince Omodara as a respected statesman whose influence helped strengthen unity within the organisation.

General Secretary of the council, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, said the late politician served as a stabilising force whose leadership combined cultural values with spiritual guidance.

“Prince Omodara, also fondly known as Worowo, was the face of the Council for the workshop ‘Aging Grace’,” Elder Ajibulu said.

“A notable stabilising personnel in the Council. Always blending the Christian religion with the Yoruba tradition in prayers and activities.”

Elder Ajibulu further described Prince Omodara as “a great, respected community and political leader in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria,” adding that his grassroots mobilisation efforts earned him widespread respect across the region.

Prince Omodara belonged to a generation of political leaders who played prominent roles in shaping grassroots politics in Ekiti, particularly during the evolution of progressive politics in the South-West.

His influence extended beyond partisan activities into community development, traditional institutions and civic engagement, where he remained a trusted voice for decades.

His death comes at a time when many of the pioneers of Ekiti’s political development are being remembered for their contributions to democratic governance and local administration.

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As tributes continue to pour in from political associates, community leaders and residents, Prince Gabriel Omodara is being remembered as a devoted public servant whose life of service, humility and commitment to community advancement has left an enduring imprint on Ekiti State.