The remains of the late Prof. Sam Aluko was laid to rest in his home town, Ode-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local government Area of Ekiti on Saturday.
Alukodied on Feb. 7 in a London hospital at the age of 83.
The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Gideon Olajide, in a sermon at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church, described him as the best brain that Ekiti ever had.
Olajide commended the late professor for the simplicity and humility which he exhibited during his lifetime.
He said that the comment made about Aluko that he was already senile before he died was a blatant error of judgment.
The Man of God posited that the late Aluko still had a sound brain that could enable him comment on any issue of national interest with a high-level of precision before his demise.
He maintained that Aluko was an incorruptible person, who served Ekiti and Nigeria to the best of his capacity.
?“Aluko served Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and the late Gen Sani Abacha more than anybody could ever do. He gave his best to ensure the creation of Gbonyin Local Government.
“He lived an exemplary life of humility, simplicity, courage and perseverance and above all, he was free from corruption. He was an incorruptible man, who does whatever he believes in with passion.”
In a vote of thanks, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, said the late Aluko would be immortalised at the appropriate time.
The governor added that he would continue to remember Aluko for his commitment to the development of Ekiti, saying he worked for the state until his last breath.
Fayemi disclosed that the late professor, barely one week of his administration, gave him a 200-page detailed analysis of economic blueprint for him to study for the economic transformation of the state.
He described the gesture as a demonstration of his unflinching commitment to the development of the state.
Fayemi promised to initiate a policy that would ensure that what Aluko stood for did not go in vain.
“We will continue to tread the path of honour and excellence for his efforts not to be in vain,” he said.
Prominent Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and former Governor of old Anambra, Chief Jim Nwobodo, were among the dignitaries who paid their last respects to the late professor of economics.
Members of the Ekiti State Executive Council and former Governor of the state, Chief Segun Oni, as well as National Assembly members from the state were also among prominent Nigerians who bid Aluko farewell.
Former governors present at the event were Donald Duke of Cross River, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua of old Ondo State and Chief Bisi Akande of Osun, as well as former deputy governor of old Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo
His body was interred at about 2.45 p.m. at the cemetery of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ode- Ekiti, in the presence of his family members and other academia of note in the country’s citadel of learning.
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