By Ruth Akpan
Elegance was not merely reserved for the beautiful fabrics, distinguished guests and celebratory atmosphere that characterised the final rites of Mrs. Tinuola Helen Akinnawonu (née Oladejo Osunmakin). It was also reflected in the graceful manner in which her family honoured a woman whose life was defined by faith, character, generosity and family devotion. Across three memorable days in Ondo State, her children, relatives, friends and associates transformed a farewell into a magnificent celebration of an enduring legacy.
The three-day obsequies, hosted by her children, among them Yeye Otunba Christie Adeyeye, Chief Executive Officer of Xties Fabrics, brought together an impressive gathering of family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, all united by a common desire to pay their final respects to a cherished matriarch.
The occasion unfolded with a graceful blend of Christian solemnity, heartfelt tributes, cherished memories, cultural splendour and social camaraderie. At every stage, the personality of the deceased came vividly to the fore—a woman of deep faith, strong principles, a generous heart and a cheerful disposition.
The opening chapter of the funeral rites was marked by an Interdenominational Service at Uli Ujegenye, Itanla, Ondo State, where mourners gathered to begin the solemn journey of committing the departed to the care of God.
The atmosphere was reflective as prayers and words of consolation were offered for the family. For those who knew Mrs. Akinnawonu intimately, the gathering provided an opportunity to contemplate the extraordinary journey of a woman who had spent her years building a family, nurturing relationships and contributing meaningfully to the lives of people around her.
The service also served as the first major gathering of family and sympathisers, setting the spiritual tone for the ceremonies that followed.
For her children, the service was particularly poignant. Beyond the sadness of losing their mother, it was an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the woman behind the memories—the mother who nurtured them, the disciplinarian who insisted on uprightness, the giver who opened her hands to those in need and the cheerful soul whose laughter and warmth brightened many lives.
The second day brought the Christian wake-keep, also held at Uli Ujegenye, Itanla.
As family, friends and sympathisers gathered to spend another memorable evening in honour of the deceased, the atmosphere became increasingly emotional. The wake offered those who knew her the opportunity to look beyond the sadness of her passing and celebrate the extraordinary qualities that had distinguished her life.
One after another, tributes painted different pictures of the woman they knew and loved. Her children spoke with a mixture of emotion and gratitude, recalling a mother who could be firm when circumstances demanded it, yet warm and compassionate when comfort was needed.
She was fondly remembered as a devoted woman of faith, whose belief in God remained a defining pillar of her existence. Her Christian convictions were reflected not merely in words but in the manner in which she approached life, family and humanity. She was also celebrated as a strict disciplinarian. For her, raising children was not simply about providing comfort and material needs; it was about instilling values, responsibility, respect and integrity. Her firmness, therefore, was remembered not with resentment, but with appreciation for the wisdom behind it.
Then came the stories of her generosity. A cheerful giver, she was remembered as someone who readily extended a helping hand whenever the opportunity arose. Her generosity, according to the tributes, was accompanied by warmth, making those who received from her feel valued rather than indebted.
Beyond her immediate family, she was also remembered as a pillar of joy within her community—a woman whose presence brought warmth and whose interactions left pleasant memories.
The wake consequently became a beautiful tapestry of reminiscences, with laughter occasionally punctuating the tears and affectionate memories softening the pain of loss.
The final chapter of the three-day rites unfolded at the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen, Oke-Aluko, Ondo, where family, friends and sympathisers gathered for the funeral service.
The service was officiated by The Revd. S. O. Akanni, The Revd. Canon J. O. Ofelolorunfunmi, The Ven. R. O. Akinbusoye and The Ven. S. O. Adeleye, who led the congregation through a deeply reflective service.
The sermon was delivered by The Revd. S.O. Akanni, who offered a message centred on the realities of human existence, the inevitability of mortality and the enduring hope offered through Christian faith.
The sacred proceedings featured Bible readings, hymns, thanksgiving and prayers for the bereaved family, giving everyone present an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of life and the legacy one leaves behind.
The hymns resonated through the cathedral, creating an atmosphere that was simultaneously solemn and comforting. The prayers that followed were particularly significant for the children and loved ones of the deceased, as the congregation sought divine strength for them in the difficult days ahead.
The service was not merely a farewell. It was a reaffirmation of faith—the belief that physical departure is not the end of the story for one whose life was anchored in God.
After the church service, guests proceeded to Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre, Sabo Road, Ondo State, for the reception.
The transition from the solemnity of the cathedral to the convivial atmosphere of the reception was symbolic of the broader character of the funeral ceremonies. While the family mourned the physical absence of their matriarch, they also chose to celebrate the remarkable legacy she had left behind.
Hospitality was, as expected, generous and impeccable, with guests treated to an enticing spread of sumptuous delicacies and an assortment of refreshing beverages. Adding an unforgettable musical flourish to the celebration was the legendary King Sunny Ade, whose captivating performance injected fresh energy into the gathering and kept the dance floor animated as guests revelled in the moment.
The funeral also attracted a notable assembly of distinguished personalities from different spheres of society. Among those who graced the ceremonies was Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Kuforiji, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Also present was Mrs. Jumoke Oyeneyin, Chief Executive Officer of Jummy Exclusive Fabrics, as well as several other prominent guests, business associates, friends and well-wishers.
Photos: Funmi Ilelabayo
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