The remains of the Late Major General Ekundayo Babakayode Opaleye was laid to rest on Friday at his residence in Ibara Housing Estate Abeokuta the Ogun state capital.
Opaleye passed away in Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta after a brief illness on 18 November, 2023.
During his lifetime, the senior officer served between August 1986 and December 1987 as the military governor of the old Ondo during the regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
General Opaleye is a member of Regular Course 2 and commissioned 12 March 1969. He was of the Nigerian Army Engineers and rose to the enviable rank of Major General. He was one time Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE) and Commandant Nigerian Army Engineers and School. He retired voluntarily in 1994.
Opaleye took over the leadership of the state from Mike Akhigbe, an admiral, and was succeeded by Olabode George, who was a commodore
Reading the Funeral Oration, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja represented by Commander Corps of Engineers, Major General PE Eromosele described the late senior officer as a peaceful, gentlemanly man and a devout Christian. He said that General Opaleye was a nice officer and a skilled communicator.
He added that the senior officer was one bright, resourceful, disciplined, self-assured, professional, and full of integrity, with a constant willingness to take on new responsibilities.
The Chief of Army Staff continued by saying that in his capacity as CCE, General Opaleye was responsible with staff planning and training as well as making sure resources were spent wisely.
The burial ceremony had in attendance the Executive Governor of Ogun State represented by the Deputy Governor Engr Noimat Oyedele Salako amongst other members of State Executive Council, senior military officers both Serving and Retired.
Highlights of the event includes service of songs, tributes, presentation of National Flag and kits to NOK of the deceased.
