Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has shared a deeply emotional story about his late elder brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, who died on January 24, 2025 at the age of 65.
Several dignitaries, including members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP National Working Committee (NWC), top government officials, traditional and religious leaders, joined the Makinde family at the service to pay their last respects to late Engr. Sunday Makinde.
While recounting his childhood experiences and paying an emotional tribute to his late brother, the governor highlighted the selfless sacrifice of late Makinde to ensure the education of his younger siblings, including himself (governor Makinde) were secured.
Speaking at the service of songs held on Thursday evening at the State Government House Arcade in honor of the deceased, Governor Makinde revealed how his brother gave up his university education to join the Nigerian Navy thereby paving the way for his family’s academic success.
During the solemn event, Governor Makinde recounted how his late brother’s decision shaped the lives of his younger siblings, particularly his own journey in education and leadership.
“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,” Makinde said.
Makinde described his late brother as a selfless, humble, and principled man who always put family above personal ambition, and was also a father figure to his younger siblings including himself.
Overwhelmed by his emotions, Governor Makinde noted that while Muyiwa could have pursued his own dreams, he instead chose to serve the country in the Navy, and relieved his parents of humble means the financial burden of his the deceased university education.
His sacrifice made all the difference in our lives. He showed us what true love and responsibility mean,” Makinde said.
The governor’s heartfelt tribute moved many attendees, with family members, friends, and political associates visibly emotional.
Earlier, Bishop T. B. Adelakun, in his sermon titled: “what is life?” made several inferences to the Holy scriptures
from the books of Job 14:1, John 14:1-6, Romans 14:12, Gen 2:7, Ecclesiastes 12:8, and Hebrew 13:16.
Bishop Adelakun urged the people to live an impactful life which according to him was the true essence of human existence and also cautioned against reckless living reckless life especially the privileged ones in exalted positions.
The renowned preacher also urged the people to learn how to learn how to live with the understanding that life is too short stressing the need to use one’s life which he said belongs to God the creator of all things, to better the course of humanity at all levels.
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 later tomorrow, Friday, February 6.
Among the notable dignitaries at the event were the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of the 36 state legislature, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebayo Akande and Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande.
Others are executive chairmen of Local Governments, state government functionaries, members of the PDP state executive Council and party chieftains among others.
