Ade Adefarati

Ade Adefarati Biography / Profile

Adebayo Adefarati was born in Akungba Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, on February 14th, 1931. An active member of the Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political and cultural group since 1964, Adefarati carved a niche for himself as one of the finest political juggernauts in the south west.

Ade Adefarati Age

Ade Adefarati would have been 93 years old, if he were alive today. May his soul rest in peace.

Ade Adefarati Early Life

Adefarati started his primary school at the Holy Trinity School, Akungba-Akoko. He also attended Victory College, Ikare and came out in flying colours. In 1958, he entered the University College, Ibadan to study History and graduated in 1961 with a honours degree in the arts. He returned to Ibadan in 1965 for his post graduate diploma in Education to become a professional teacher.

Ade Adefarati Career

Adefarati worked in Ijeshaland, Osun state especially at George Burton College, Ilesa, Atakunmosa High School, Osu and Origbo Community High School, Ipetumodu and Egbeoba High School, Ikole-Ekiti as Principal. He pitched his tent with late Awolowo way back to 1954 at the tender age of 23, making him one of the youngest members of the Action Group (AG) founded by the late sage. He joined the Unity Party of Nigeria(UPN) in 1978, following the lifting of the ban on politics by the administration of the Gen Olusegun Obasanjo. An active member of the Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political and cultural group since 1964, Adefarati had carved a niche for himself as one of the finest political juggernauts in the south west.

Adefarati was the second civilian governor of the state between 1999 and 2003, before he was defeated when he ran for re-election in 2003. An accomplished educationist and committed Awoist, the late Adefarati served twice as commissioner in the administration of the late Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin between 1979 and 1983. Adefarati was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a leading organization in the fight against the military during the General Sani Abacha days. He later was a presidential candidate for the Alliance for Democracy party in the April 2007 presidential election,but died in Owo, Ondo State at the age of 76.

Fondly called “Baba Peace”, the former governor recorded remarkable achievements in the state during his tenure, especially with the establishment of the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). OSOPADEC is an interventionist agency for the development of oil producing areas in the state.

Ade Adefarati Personal Life

Adefarati was married to Adetutu Adefarati. He had many children including Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati. As an Oloye of the Yoruba people, he held the traditional titles of the Otunba Elekole of Ikole and the Bobajiro of Osu-Ilesa. He died suddenly on March 29th, 2007 in Owo, Ondo State and was buried in his hometown of Akungba-Akoko on June 24th, 2007.