By Ruth Akpan

A grateful farewell it was for a life well lived as the Oyo State government, family members, friends and associates gathered at various locations in Ibadan, Oyo State to pay their last respect to a former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo as he was laid to rest, in ceremonies that span three eventful days.

A mathematical luminary and exceptional stateman, Dr. Olunloyo, who passed away on April 6, 2025 at the age of 89, is said to have inspired generations with his life of simplicity, kindness and dedication to truth and scholarship, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to impact the Nigerian society.

The 3-fold funeral activities kicked off with a Night of tributes held at Jogor Event Center, Ibadan.

The day after, the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde assembled the members of the House of Assembly at the House of Chiefs in House of Assembly complexity, where the deceased was laid in state. The gathering served as an avenue to acknowledge his contributions to educational expansion, good governance and diplomacy.

In an emotional speech, Governor Makinde said the late Olunloyo lived a modest life, describing him as a good father, mentor and a nation builder, who was committed to the progress and development of the state and country at large.

At evening, a wake service was held in his honour at Jogor Event Centre where family and friends spoke glowingly about him.

Day Three was the funeral service held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan and was conducted by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu.

Prominent Nigerians like the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, former first Lady of Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, Aare Dele and Chief(Mrs) Mobolaji Momodu, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Chief(Mrs) Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni and many others attended the glorious ceremony.

In his sermon, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu spoke on generosity and hope of immortality. He revealed that he was a witness to the exemplary life lived by the deceased.

He stated that he was an inspirational leader, extremely intelligent yet humble, known for his integrity and kindness. He went further to encourage everyone to embrace kindness always.

With lovely hymns by the state choir, the ceremony ended with prayers.

The late Olunloyo was interred at the Cathedral Church of St. David Kudeti, Ibadan in a private ceremony, before a sumptuous reception was held.

With Gbenga Adeyinka as the compere, the day’s event was rounded off with a well planned reception at the University of Ibadan International Conference Center, Ibadan where legendary musicians Ebenezer Obey and Ayo Balogun thrilled guests with excellent music.

Photos: Adekoya Adegbite

By Eric Elezuo

It was a solemn procession, assembly and deep reflection for a life well lived as family members, friends, colleagues, associates and the general public gathered in Are, Ekiti to pay last respect, and bid farewell to the matriach of the Adebiyi family, Olori Grace Omolola Adebiyi, who was also the wife of the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Jacob Boluwade Adebiyi, as she was laid to rest.

Fondly known as Olori Eyesorun Bosede, the beloved mother and grandmother, who passed away on February 19, 2025, is reputed to have left behind a legacy of love, strength, compassion and devotion to God, her people and vocation.

She was revered for her admirable qualities, which endeared her to the people of Are-Ekiti and beyond just her great tidings extended beyond the palace walls, playing vital roles in championing the welfare of the community and uplifting the less privileged.

The Olori’s final 3-day obsequies begun with a Services of Songs and Tributes Night, at the Joint Heirs of Salvation International Crusade Ministry, where well wishers and children took quality time to shower deserved encomiums on the deceased.

Thereafter, there was a fanfare arrival of her corpse in a motorcade, followed by a retinue of elaborate convoy of her children dressed in customized t-shirt, a symbol of their adoration for her, and supported by the Are-Ekiti community, whose lives she touched during her lifetime. The fanfare culminated into a rally round the community where she spent a good part of her life, bringing smiles to the faces of both participants and onlookers.

The journey of late Olori Eyesorun Abosede grace Adebiyi, began with a Christian wake keep at her Foundation Centre in Are-Ekiti. their are tributes From Friends and family.

Later, a Christian wake service was observed at the residence of the deceased at Oke-Idemuren Street, Are-Ekiti under the supervision of the Saint Andrew Anglican Church. The Wake service featured witnessed soul searching Bible readings and sermon, which were punctuated by renditions of hymns and more tributes.

The funeral service proper held a day after, also at the Saint Andrew Anglican Church, Are-Ekiti, and began as soon as the remains, carried by pall bearers and accompanied by family members and drummers, were received at the church entrance by the officiating ministers. Venerable V.O. Ojo, which led other officiating ministers.

In his brief sermon at the service, Venerable Ojo lauded Olori Adebiyi’s well spent life, calling on the children to emulate all her good qualities. He insisted that everyone must live a life to please God, lifetime Olori had lived so that on the last day, heaven will be the reward.

The seevice ended with prayers for the family of Olori Adebiyi, thanksgiving and cloaing hymns before the corpse made its way to its final resting place at her residence.

With the remains safety committed to mother earth, a grand reception followed at the Long Margue Community Play Ground in Are-Ekiti, where the family with the assistance of Infinite Events ensured guests were treated to top-notch entertainment comprising local and continental diahes as well as xhoice beverages, which flowed in ceaseless supply.

The ambience of environment also spoke volumes of the class Psquareevents is made of just as music maestro, Yinka Aiyefele serenaded the guests with sonorous sounds.

In his vote of thanks at the event, a son-in-law of the deceased, and a respected community leader, Aare (Engr.) Benjamin Kayode Adereti, extended heartfelt appreciation to dignitaries, political leaders, traditional rulers, associates, and well-wishers who attended the burial ceremony of his late mother-in-law. He used the opportunity to further elaborate on the respectful life she lived, and how she affected lives that she came in contact.

Olori Adebiyi is survived by her husband, the Aare of Are-Ekiti, children, grandchildren, brother, and several others.

As a follow-up to his vote of thanks, Aare Adereti released an official statement, further expressing profound gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Olori Agba Ogunwusi, the Obalufe of Ife, the Ologudu of Ogudu, the Oba Asoya of Isoya, Sarun Adimula, HAM Oranfe of Ife, HSE Osogun, and many other revered monarchs and chiefs who honoured the occasion with their royal presence.

He also acknowledged the presence and support of the APC Progressive Family, led by Sooko (Alh.) Tajudeen Lawal, as well as national political office holders led by Engr. Kayode Sowade, former federal lawmakers, including Hon. (Chief) Rotimi Makinde and Hon. Ayeni.

May the soul of Olori Adebiyi rest in peace!

Photos: Tunde Bolarinwa 

By Eric Elezuo

Becoming a centenarian in these times is an achievement in itself, and for all intent and purpose, worth celebrating. As a result, Chief Elizabeth Omolara Akintonde, in conjunction with the Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Limited, which she heads as the Executive Chairman, and the Midoil Communities Relationship Forum, spared no expense, pulled all the stops to celebrate the Baale of Sekungba Community, Chief Solomon Omotayo, as he hit the landmark age of 100.

Basking in the euphoria of a centenarian, an excited Baba as his subjects revered him, stormed the Midoil Refinery project ground, venue of the celebration, clad in sew-to-fit agbada Aso Oke attire, a symbol of his Yorubaness, dancing to beats of years past to acknowledge his period. He was accompanied by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and neighbours who led him into the arena, to the warm embrace of a very cheering crowd, who could not wait to tap the grace of his long fruitful years through a handshake. Baba did not disappoint, and he went round the arena, greeting guests and exchanging pleasantries while releasing prayers to as many that cares to say amen.

The event kickstarted fully as Baba comfortably took his seat amid loud encomiums just as the duo of prolific stage master, Ben Ogheiwi and radio personality, Adebayo Obatungashe, supervised proceedings as anchors.

The opening prayer was taken by the Baale of Ererufu, Elder Gabriel Lawal, and followed by the recitation of the three stanzas of the National Anthem. Friends and associates took turns thereafter to present goodwill messages.

In her speech, the Executive Chairman of Midoil Refining and Petrochemicals Limited, Chief (Mrs) Akintonde, eulogised the baale, noting how benevolent and honest he has been in the relationship between Midoil and the Sekungba Community and the adjoining communities. She praised Baba for his uprightness, truthfulness and respect for humanity, adding that anyone would wish to be like him.

“For all you have done, and continue to do, we wish you a happy birthday, and pray that the Almighty will continue to sustain you in health and wealth all the days of your life,” Mrs Akintonde enthused.

Community after Community, leaders and representatives narrated how a man of integrity the centenarian is, praising God for blessing the community with a man of Baale Solomon’s calibre. They further heaped encomiums on the Midoil Executive Chairman for choosing their communities to invest and develop, noting the number of developmental projects including healthcare and educational facilities that have been added to them since the coming of Midoil to the environment.

In his message thereafter, the Olisa and Regent of Ketu, High Chief Adekunle Badru, lauded the foresight behind the Midoil Communities Forum, saying that it is yielding the desired developmental results.

With a photo-op ongoing amid sumptuous reception, the stage was set for dance of the celebrant, who was joined by friends and well wishers.

The event was rounded off with a vote of thanks by one of the sons of the centenarian, and the dances continued.