Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola and Senator bab afemi Ojudu.

By Babafemi Ojudu

At 96, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola is more than a man; he is a living archive of wisdom, resilience, and selfless service. For decades, he shaped young minds in classrooms across Yorubaland, leaving an indelible mark on generations who now carry his lessons as guiding lights. Beyond the classroom, he extended his influence as a local council leader, embodying integrity and community service with unwavering commitment.

Today, with a steady hand still on the wheel—both literally and figuratively—he drives not just his car but his life with vigour. He enjoys the rare privilege of witnessing the fruits of his labour: the care and gratitude of the many students he once nurtured, now successful and accomplished, who continue to honour the man who shaped their lives.

I recently witnessed this firsthand. When Chief Daramola pulled up at a gas station, ready to pay for a small quantity of fuel for his car, a former student suddenly appeared, insisting on paying for a full tank as a gesture of gratitude. In Ado Ekiti, where he resides two of his former students, both prominent medical doctors and clinic owners, have pledged to provide him with free medical care for life. Others frequently visit his home, not just to check on him but to seek his wisdom and relive cherished stories from their school days when they sat under his tutelage.

I was not fortunate to have studied under him, but many of my friends who did often share countless tales of his brilliance as a teacher and a moulder of young minds. His son, Tope Daramola, now a pastor of a Pentecostal church, was my classmate at Emmanuel Primary School in Ado Ekiti, while another son, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has been my colleague in politics, both of us being members of the same political party.

Chief Daramola has often expressed admiration for my work whenever we meet at public events. Just before Christmas, I decided to pay him a visit at his modest retirement home in Ado Ekiti. His joy at receiving me was heartwarming—he insisted on offering me drinks and gifts to make me feel comfortable. What he didn’t realize was that his life story, shared with such humility, was far more fulfilling than any material offering.

His journey is a powerful narrative of determination. As a young boy from Ire Ekiti, he had to carry his box on his head and walk several kilometres to Christ School, Ado Ekiti, where he received his education. Afterwards, he began his teaching career in Owo before returning to Christ School. Driven by the hunger for knowledge, he pursued higher education at the prestigious Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. Upon his return, he resumed teaching at Christ School from 1964 to 1973, moulding generations of Ekiti’s finest minds before becoming a school principal, serving in multiple secondary schools across Yorubaland until his retirement.

Even in retirement, Chief Daramola has remained a pillar of his community. He chaired his neighbourhood association until 2022 and remains an active member of the renowned Inland Club, where he frequently drives himself to watch his beloved Arsenal Football Club play. “They don’t know me at the Emirates, but I know the Emirates,” he once told me with a grin, pointing proudly to the Arsenal memorabilia adorning his living room. The local youth affectionately call him Baba Gunners, to which he responds with a smile: “For life!”

His passion for sports is no coincidence. During his teaching years in Owo, he was a star footballer, often celebrated for his skill on the pitch. The late Oba Olateru Olagbegi, the then king of Owo, would invite him and his teammates to the palace for dinner whenever they won a major competition. He also represented the Ekiti sub-ethnic group in various football events, dazzling crowds with his athleticism—perhaps a clue to his remarkable physical vitality even today.

But Chief Daramola attributes his longevity and strength not just to sports but to divine grace. During my visit, he frequently rose from his chair to retrieve documents, photographs, and mementoes, all while recounting events and dates with the clarity of someone half his age. His mind remains as sharp as ever, nourished by the books, newspapers, and journals surrounding him.

His former students have never allowed him to feel lonely or neglected. They invite him to functions, honour him with awards, and provide financial support out of pure gratitude. His living room walls are decorated with plaques from various organizations—badges of honour for a life dedicated to service. While the saying goes that a teacher’s reward is in heaven, Chief Daramola seems to be harvesting his right here on earth, even before the hereafter.

A few of his students recently installed a solar power system in his home. “This solar system is a year old this December,” he said proudly. “Thank God I have 24-hour power supply now and no need to buy fuel for the generator.”

Though a widower, Chief Daramola says he does not feel lonely. His philosophy is profoundly moving: “It is the people around me who are my next of kin. As you sit with me now, you are my next of kin. If you stay a bit longer, more will come to join us.”

During my visit, I noticed a lawyer, Mr. Toyin Oluwasola, present, deeply engaged in a conversation with him. Toyin regularly visits to draw from the well of Chief Daramola’s wisdom and share ideas, keeping him connected with modern trends in technology and society.

Before I left, Papa gifted me a copy of his autobiography, The Grace of God, a captivating and instructive read that I am still savouring. In return, I presented him with a copy of my own memoir, Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist.

Spending time with Chief Daramola was a profound experience. He embodies the essence of what it means to live a life of purpose, service, and grace. His story is a reminder that the true measure of success lies not in wealth but in the lives we touch, the communities we uplift, and the legacy we leave behind.

May we have the wisdom to celebrate more of our living heroes and learn from their extraordinary journeys while we can.