The ancient town of Ede stood still as family, friends, and distinguished Nigerians gathered for the final burial of Chief Jonathan Adebunmi Adeleke, an eminent scholar, administrator, and revered community leader who passed away in early 2026.
The ceremony celebrated the life of a man whose legacy as the former Principal of Baptist High School, Abepe, Ede, shaped the lives of countless individuals across the nation.
Dignitaries from acrossOsun state and the education sector in Nigeria paid their final respects to a man described by the Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Lukman Afolabi, as a “monumental loss to Edeland and humanity at large”.
Afolabi, a former student of Chief Adeleke, recalled the late principal as a father figure whose influence extended far beyond the classroom, instilling discipline and integrity in his pupils.
The burial rites, which concluded a series of solemn and inspiring moments, tributes and church service highlighted Chief Adeleke’s contributions to humanity especially in the education sector.
The Lead Pastor, United Baptist Church inside Baptist High School, Ede, Rev. Gideon Adejumobi called on people to emulate the virtues displayed by the deceased, whom he refered to as an embodiment of goodness and godliness.
Speaking about the late educationist, the publicity Officer, Ede Elders Council, Chief Ayodele Adeyemo and President, Ede Descendants Forum, Dr. Ademola Olaitan, agreed that Chief Adeleke as a prominent member of the group, served as a bridge between the community and its traditional leadership, including the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal.
On their part, generations of students, who passed through the late Chief Adeleke, represented by the President, Ede Baptist High School Old Students’ Association, EBHSOSA, Dr. Charles Adesina described him as a mentor, role model and benevolent disciplinarian, who moulded many into their present status.
During the service, the Timi of Ede and other stakeholders commiserated with the Adeleke family, urging them to take solace in the evergreen impact the late chief made during his lifetime.
In an interview with the eldest child of the family, who is an educationist, Dr. Keji Adeleke, refered to their father’s transition as the end of an era for the family and Baptist High School community, where he remains a “legend” and a “pillar” of academic excellence.
Dr. Adeleke Jr., thanked everyone that supported the family towards the success of the burial which spanned almost a week of various activities.
Among dignitaries that graced the ceremony included, his widow, Mrs.Deborah Adeleke, the Timi of Ede, represented by a delegation of his chiefs led by the Babasanya of Ede, High Chief Tunji Lawal, Onitede of Tede Land in Oyo State, Oba AbdulRauf Oladoyin, represented by a delegation of his Chiefs, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Adedayo Adeoye rtd, a retired Director of Programmes at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Mr. Ademola Adeniyi and members of Oluobinu Family Compound, Ede at home and in diaspora.
