It was more than a funeral. It was a gathering that felt like a festival of gratitude.
Between February 13 and 14, people from across Ekiti State and beyond assembled to celebrate the life of Chief Daniel Adedayo Ogboja, fondly known as Daddy Ogboja. The event drew clergy, political leaders, former students and community members who came not only to mourn, but to honour a man many described as a moral compass of his generation. The New Daily Prime was there to cover the ceremonies.
The service was presided over by the Prelate of the Methodist Church, His Eminence Dr Oliver Ali Aba, alongside other prominent Methodist archbishops from across Nigeria.
Those in attendance included the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni; former Minister of Education and former Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Chief Tunde Adeniran; the wife of the former Governor of Ondo State, Her Excellency Mrs Kemi Mimiko; the former Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank and former Ekiti State governorship candidate, Dr Kayode Adaramodu; and two traditional leaders, the Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Adewunmi Fasiku (represented), and the wife of the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Olori Dora Adegboyega Alabi, alongside members of the Osi-Ekiti community.
The central message of the service was drawn from Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Preachers repeatedly returned to the verse, reminding the congregation that life is limited and must be lived with purpose. They said Daddy Ogboja’s 95 years on earth reflected a man who understood that principle.
Born on February 25, 1930, into the Asha Family of Iwaro Quarters in Osi-Ekiti, Chief Ogboja rose to become one of the most respected educationists of his era. After his elementary education, he earned a BA (Hons) in History from University College, Ibadan, in 1961. That qualification marked the beginning of a career that would shape thousands of young lives.
He served as principal in several prominent secondary schools, including Amoye Grammar School, Ikere; Ilesha Grammar School; Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife; Ondo High School; Methodist Comprehensive High School, Aaye Ekiti; and CAC Grammar School, Efon Alaye, where more than 200 former students were present at the service. Former students recalled his strict discipline, high standards and the culture of excellence he upheld wherever he served.
In 1980, the Ondo State Government named him one of the first six “Special Principals,” a recognition reserved for outstanding administrators. He retired in 1986, but his influence did not retire with him.
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, one of his former students, described him as a man of strong character and impeccable intellect. According to the governor, he was quiet but firm, a leader whose silence commanded respect. He said the state had lost a father figure and a model of the golden era of educational discipline.
At home, tributes flowed from family members. His wife, Mrs. Iyabode Adeyosola Ogboja (née Asolo), described him as intelligent, hardworking, and kind. She said he was not a man of many words, yet his actions spoke clearly.
His daughter, Pastor Mrs Yejide Oluleye, called him a hero and a man of purpose. She recalled how he ensured all his children were educated, not because he was wealthy, but because he believed in sacrifice. “He did not dictate how to live,” she said, “he lived and let us watch.”
His son-in-law, Olufemi Oluleye, said he was welcomed into the family as a son, not an outsider. He described Daddy Ogboja as a man of family, loyalty and integrity who led by example.
Beyond education and family, he was instrumental in attracting development to Osi-Ekiti, including electricity, pipe-borne water and improved access to secondary education. His service extended into the Methodist Church in Nigeria, where he remained active and respected.
He is survived by six children, 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
As hymns filled the church and tributes echoed through the town, one theme remained constant: a life well numbered is a life well lived. For many in Ekiti and beyond, Daddy Ogboja’s days were not just counted — they were used wisely.
