

Do not grieve that I have gone ahead. I lived to serve, and I leave still serving, in every student I housed, every letter I wrote, every door I opened. Carry it forward. That is how you will find me, in my Father's house, where I serve still.
— Dr. D
Obituary
With hearts full of gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our father and the patriarch of our clan, Prince Dr. Benjamin Oluwadare Ebunoluwa Daramola of Aisegba, who went to rest in the bosom of the Lord on 23rd June 2026.
Born on 4th April 1944 in Aisegba, Ekiti, into the family of the late Prince Joseph Olasimoju Daramola, he knew loss early, losing his mother when he was just six years old. That early hardship shaped a man of uncommon resilience and tenderness. He began his elementary education in Aisegba and went on to Ekiti Parapo Secondary School, Usi Ekiti, passing out in 1965 as a proud son of Aisegba and a lifelong member of the Ekiti Parapo.
His path into medicine came, as the best stories do, unexpectedly. While working briefly at the Federal Surveys in Lagos, he called at the General Hospital to visit his uncle's wife, who had just had a baby. An unpleasant encounter with a gateman there stung him into a bold resolve: he would study medicine. He gained admission to the University of Ibadan and earned his MBBS, training at University College Hospital (UCH), where a moment of indignity became the making of a healer.
At UCH Ibadan, "Dr. D" rose to become a Consultant Family Physician and a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP). Kind, approachable, and deeply respected across the UCH community, he served as personal physician to several legal luminaries and many first-class Yoruba Obas, including the late Olubadan and the kings of Ijeshaland. Yet the same care he gave to kings, he gave to everyone.
He never truly retired from serving. After leaving UCH, he continued for years at Eleta Catholic Hospital, purely out of love for humanity. Even after the passing of his beloved wife, he still saw patients a few days a week at a private hospital near home, simply to stay active and keep doing the work that gave his life meaning. Beyond the clinic, he gave generously of his wisdom as a member of the Elders' Forum in his neighbourhood Landlords' Association, and as Head of the MFM Medical Team in his church zone, where he mentored many junior physicians.
In 1977, Daddy married his beloved wife, Deborah Ayodele née Ibimilua, and together they were blessed with four children. He loved his children and their friends deeply, always ready to write a recommendation letter for a school admission or open a door to a job through his many contacts. His and his wife's was an open-door home in the truest sense: to anyone who said "I'm from Ekiti State," their doors, and their hearts, opened. He made his own boys' quarters available to Ekiti medical students at UCH who needed somewhere to stay, quietly launching careers that are still bearing fruit today.
His was a life defined by service, compassion, and kindness, the life of a man of wisdom and integrity whose warmth touched hearts within Aisegba and far beyond its borders.
Rest easy,
Prince (Dr.) Benjamin Oluwadare Ebunoluwa Daramola
MBBS (Ibadan), FWACP
A great tree has fallen. But its shade sheltered so many, and its seeds are everywhere. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, his family, his friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Rest well, Dr. D. Your race is run, and it was run well.
Gallery
Memory wall
There are people who pass through life, and there are those who leave lasting footprints on the hearts of everyone they meet. Dr. Benjamin Oluwadare Daramola belonged to the latter. His life was a remarkable testimony of love, sacrifice, compassion, and selfless service.
To many of us, he was more than a mentor. He was a dependable brother, a trusted friend, and a leader whose greatest strength was his willingness to serve others. He had an extraordinary gift of making people feel valued and accepted, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What made Dr. Daramola truly exceptional was his generous heart. Even when he was striving to build a better life for himself and his family, he never closed his doors to those in need. He shared his time, his resources, his wisdom, and his home with remarkable generosity. He carried other people's burdens as though they were his own, often making personal sacrifices so that others could have hope and a chance to succeed.
His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by wealth or status, but by the lives we touch and the kindness we show. Through his humility, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to others, he inspired many to become better people. His influence will continue to live on in the countless individuals whose lives were transformed by his guidance and generosity.
While we grieve his departure, we also celebrate a life that was rich in purpose and impact. We are grateful to God for the privilege of knowing such a remarkable man. Though he is no longer with us in body, the values he lived by—love, compassion, generosity, and service—will continue to guide and inspire us.
Farewell, dear Dr. Benjamin Oluwadare Daramola. You fought the good fight, you touched countless lives, and you have left behind a legacy that time can never erase. May the Almighty grant you eternal rest, and may He comfort and strengthen the family you loved so dearly and all whose lives you so profoundly influenced.
Rest peacefully, beloved mentor, brother, and leader. Your memory will forever remain a blessing.
Elder (Hon) Olorunleke Johnson Oluremi, Fnitp
Former Commissioner for Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development
Ekiti State

Your legacy cannot be erased.
Thank you for the sacrifices for others.
May the good Lord continue to rest your soul and grant you eternal rest.
Since we as mortals have a beginning, we are most certainly having an end. “……. but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes….” was famously credited to Benjamin Franklin. As sorrowful as the news of the passing of “uncle Olu” was, we are comforted he lived a compassionate and fulfilling life.
Uncle Olu as we fondly called him, had a unique history within our family, one which predated the birth of any of us. He and my departed father, the late Dr Idowu AbdulGaniy Ogunleye met fortuitously in their earlier school days. Their meeting took a special place in both of their minds once they realized they were both born the same day, same month, same year- 4th April 1944. That became the foundation for a life long relationship. Their journey included being each other’s best men, both studying medicine at the university college Ibadan ( UCH). Serendipitously, uncle Olu would be admitted to study medicine the same year his friend graduated, such was the proximity of their paths in life.
We as a family, owe uncle Olu a special gratitude for among other things, he represented the longest and the most endearing friendship my Dad ever had. My dad would have travelled tens of thousands of miles to get to Nigeria. Yet, he was never tired enough to not stop by at his friend’s house at UCH before continuing his journey to Akure, his primary residence. He always had so much time for his friend and found in him much comfort and a safe place…. to the end.
I last spoke to uncle Olu few months ago, on the last anniversary of the passing of his friend. He had spoken about an Ekiti parapo meeting and recalled how many of their mates had passed on. I am sure if there’s meeting of loved ones, uncle Olu would seek his beloved wife aunty Dele, his family and not far behind his dear friend, “ID” as he affectionately called him.
Uncle, you will be sorely missed. Your consistent calls checking on us and our mum after our dad’s passing was always one of warmth and love which showed how you genuinely cared for your late friend’s family- those calls will be missed. Your life was a blessing to those who knew you and your memory a treasure. We pray for you an eternal rest in the bosom of your lord.
To the Children- Almighty God will comfort you all and hold on to the memories etched in all your hearts and revel in his legacies and all his beautiful acts and deeds
Oluseyi Ogunleye
For the family of Dr Idowu Ogunleye( ID)
Rest in peace, Doctor D.
You left us far too soon, at a time when we still wanted you here. I will always cherish the memories of my time serving at UCH—especially my weekends spent at your house in Akobo.
As the Yoruba proverb says, "Iṣẹ́ ajé lọ sọmọnu bi ọkọ" (the pursuit of livelihood scatters us like pebbles). It was life's hustle that took me far away from you and Bro Femi and Bro Tunde, but my heart never left.
Thank you for your kindness, your fatherly guidance, and the incredible legacy you left behind.
May God bless your noble soul with eternal peace, Sir. You will be forever missed.
🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
Today, we gather with heavy hearts but with profound gratitude to pay tribute to an exceptional gentleman, Dr. Benjamin Daramola, a renowned medical doctor whose life was defined by excellence, dedication, and selfless service.
Dr. Daramola was a hardworking professional who devoted his life to the noble calling of medicine, touching countless lives with his expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. His integrity, humility, and diligence earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, and the wider community.
Beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, Dr. Daramola was a devoted family man who exemplified love, care, and responsibility. His family was a source of strength and pride, reflecting the values he upheld throughout his life.
His love for his beloved hometown of Aisegba Ekiti was genuine and unwavering. Through his generosity and philanthropic spirit, he gave selflessly to the growth and development of his community, extending a helping hand to the less privileged and supporting causes that uplifted many. His kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Dr. Benjamin Daramola lived a life of purpose, compassion, and service. He demonstrated that true greatness lies not merely in personal achievements but in the lives we touch, the hope we give, and the legacy we leave behind. Though death has taken him from our sight, it cannot erase the memories of his noble deeds or the enduring impact of his life.
As we bid farewell to this distinguished son of Aisegba Ekiti, we do so with deep sorrow but also with thanksgiving for a life well lived. We take comfort in the countless lives he healed, the family he cherished, the community he loved, and the enduring example he left behind. His legacy of integrity, generosity, humility, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.
May the Almighty grant his gentle soul eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Aisegba Ekiti the strength and comfort to bear this irreplaceable loss. Though he has departed this earthly life, his memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Rest in perfect peace, Dr. Benjamin Daramola. Your race was well run, your work well done, and your legacy will endure for generations.
Good night brother and continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord.
Rest in peace, sir.
I miss his frequent calls to ask after the welfare of myself and my family. I miss meeting him and exchanging banters while going to 'work'. I pray for his kind of elderly wisdom and compassion in everything I do. But I am thankful to God that I have his children to call siblings and his grandchildren my nieces and nephews while heaven gained a true Christian soul.
Rest on Daddy Daramola. You earned your peaceful rest. We will surely miss you, but are assured of meeting you at the feet of our Lord Jesus on the last day.
High Chief N.O Dahunsi and family.
Thanks for your Medical Advice and care since my childhood Adieu Daddy (Omo Ilu Mi)
Mrs OluwaToyin Jegede (Née Dahunsi)
Daddy would usually called me when I was serving in Ibadan simply to just check up on me, I mean those calls were not expected but he did.
I was sad I didn’t come visiting before I left Ibadan.
But I have the confidence you’re resting with the Lord.
You will be dearly missed our very own Daddy Doctor.
Despite my busy schedule, you were always looking out for my welfare and always reminding me to answer your calls whenever you called.
To me, you were so much more than just a model; you were a second father, an unwavering source of wisdom, and a living example of how to live a life full of integrity, joy, and kindness. Your legacy will live on in all of us. You fought a good fight, finished your race, and left the world to a far better place
Thank you for setting the bar so high and for being a shining example of a life well-lived
Goodbye Dr. Dee
May his soul be reposed
My heart felt condolences to his family and the UCH fold

