On the 18th of November, 2023, Dayo Kujore Close in New Oko-Oba, Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State was agog as the Akomolafes held a funeral for their late mother, Mrs. Folake Adijat Akomolafe, who passed away at the age of 74. The event also served as a celebration of life for their late father, Alhaji Sulaiman Akomolafe, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 72. The funeral was held at the K & M Events Centre and was attended by notable dignitaries from both within and outside the state.

 

Sir Shina Peters performed at the event and gave an electrifying performance that kept the audience spellbound throughout the event. The organizers ensured that every aspect of the party reflected their quality taste and class, from the easily accessible venue to the simple but colourful decorations, sumptuous meals (both local and continental dishes), drinks, and souvenirs.

 

Dare Adeniran, City People's Correspondent, reported on the highlights of the event. He noted that Mr. Abraham Bolarinwa Lawal, the husband of one of the children, Olabimpe Lawal, spoke about Mama and Baba shortly before the party began. Mr. Lawal described the deceased as the best parents anyone could ever wish to have in life and stated that after losing his own parents at a young age, the Akomolafes accepted him when he married their daughter. He went on to say that Alhaji Akomolafe taught him to be mature and open-minded, as well as how to let go.

 

The  Children

 

There is no denying that Baba and Mama Akomolafe lived fulfilled lives. They are survived not only by adorable children, grandchildren, and wonderful family members, but their children are all successful and doing exceptionally well in their various endeavours.

 

The children are Mr Olanrewaju Akomolafe (Snr), a retired Printer with The Sun Newspaper; Mr Tunde Akomolafe, a lecturer based in the United Kingdom; Mrs Olabimpe Lawal, a Healthcare Worker also based in the United Kingdom; Olasumbo Adesina; Olawunmi Jeminiyi, a researcher; and Olanrewaju Akomolafe (Jnr) an agriculturist.

 

How In-Laws Helped Their Spouses

 

The fact that the Akomolafes are a close-knit family was on display at the party. It was difficult to tell who was who among the children, their spouses, and their children. They all worked together to give Mama Akomolafe an appropriate funeral and to make Alhaji Akomolafe's remembrance memorable. The great in-laws are Mrs Funmi Akomolafe, wife of Olanrewaju Akomolafe (Snr); Mrs Bunmi Akomolafe, wife of Tunde Akomolafe; Mr Abraham Bolarinwa Lawal, Olabimpe Lawal's husband; Mr Yemi Adesina, Mrs Olasunmbo Adesina's husband; Yomi Jeminiyi the husband of Mrs Olawunmi Jeminiyi,  and Mrs Mojisola Akomolafe, the wife of Olanrewaju Akomolafe aka Russy.

 

Media Man Femi Adesina In The House

 

Mr Femi Adesina, the former Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was among the party's top dignitaries. Adesina attended the party to honour the Akomolafes for being a good brother-in-law. He is the older brother of Olasunmbo's husband, Yemi Adesina. The dashing journalist looked stunning in full Yoruba traditional attire. He attended the party with his lovely wife, Dr Kemi Adesina, a well-known lecturer.

 

Bola Soja Is A Fantastic Host

 

Abraham Bolarinwa Lawal aka Bola Soja is a well-spoken man, and it shows in everything he does. Olabimpe Lawal's (Nee Akomolafe) husband is a lecturer, author, and businessman who lives in the United Kingdom with his family. His organisational abilities are explained by the aforementioned qualities as well as his background. And it was also put to good use at the party. His visitors received a special treat. Bola Lawal was constantly on his feet, moving from one table to the next. He made certain that everyone was taken care of.

 

When Bola Lawal Brought Abiodun Olusesi Out Of His Shell

 

Bola Lawal sprung a wonderful surprise on his party guests. Many people were surprised to see Abiodun Olusesi after a long absence from the social scene. Olusesi was a popular socialite in Lagos until he was slowed down by illness a few years ago. He was a major player in the real estate industry back then. So seeing him again was a thrilling experience. Feyisekemi Olusesi, Olusesi's lovely wife, accompanied him to the party. Sir Shina Peters serenaded him while he sprayed wads of new naira notes, and he thoroughly enjoyed the party.

 

A Variety Of MCs

 

Bola Lawal is an honourable man in addition to his organisational skills. He is not prejudiced or dismissive of others. He values friendship regardless of age or status. He also encourages talent. This explains why there were so many MCs at the party. Chief Yemi Ogunyemi, the legendary veteran broadcaster, led the pack of MCs. Lawal and Ogunyemi have made great strides. They've been together since 'En Balaya' aired on NTA Ibadan. Baba Ogunyemi was joined in anchoring the event by another veteran broadcaster, Ayo Ayanwale Olayanju, as well as two other young talents, MC IT and Deolu Tunwagun, who performed a stunning rendition of 'Ewi' to the delight of the audience.

 

With Regards From Atiba University

 

The Founder and Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, and Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi were supposed to attend the party but were delayed by other commitments. They were, however, well represented by two erudite scholars and gentlemen.

 

The Supportive Roles Of The Friends Committee

 

Bola Lawal is well-known among his friends and associates for being trustworthy. He is always willing to assist when needed. As a result, the party participation by some people is a duty and solidarity with him. The list of friends who played one or more roles in making the event a success includes those who were present and those who could not attend. The list include Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN) Barrister Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) Otunba Bukola Olabiran, Elder Rotimi Omodunbi, Otunba Abiodun Omisore, Mrs Bimbo Tinubu from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Elder Segun Omotosho, Elder Kayode Ojo, Pastor Dipo Adenuga, Prince Ademola Awofiranye, Elder Femi Oyemade, Elder Kayode Oladapo, Elder Taiwo Igbinyemi, Prince Tumbi Toriola, Pastor Ade Adenuga, Pastor Ayo Adenuga, Barrister (Elder) Aodo Ademoyo, Alhaji Adesoji Nurudeen Oke and Mrs Remi Alabi Onipede (aka Arewa)

 

The Roll Call

 

To say the party was well attended is an understatement. Those who attended the glamorous event included Omo Oba Tokunbo Adegun, Barr Sade Adejumo, Tope Oyemade, Tolulope Oyemade, Abiodun Olusesi and his lovely wife, Feyisekemi, Pastor Femi Samuel & wife, Pastor Bunmi Samuel, Mrs Nike Adesina, Mrs Abifade, Mr M.K Alao, Mrs Bimbo Adebowale, Rev and Pastor Mrs Elegbede, the Sholeyes, Aliyu Jibril, Chief Henry Solomon, the Baale Majidun Ikorodu, and representatives from the OAU 98 Sets, OIGS 89 Sets, and UNILAG 2008 Sets.

 

Others include Alhaji Wasiu Ajibade (BoyD), Omo Oba Tajudeen Adegoke, Tunde Azeez aka Tunde Didco, Tunde Yusuf Shittu, Mrs Remi Alabi Onipede aka Arewa, and Barrister Aodo Ademoyo, a Lagos-based Senior Legal luminary. Prominently dancing to Sir Shina Peters live performance at the glamourous event were Lanre Akomolafe, the late Mama's last child and his reliable friends, including seasoned events decorator, Favour Essang of Dexterity Plus, Osinowo Owolabi Kartos Farms, Kunle Olorunsiwa, Anu Busari of Impact Tech, Otunba Olaoluwa Adebayo (Horlamat Ventures) Samson Ajayi (Sarmite Infinity Decorations) PTG Group Ibadan, OIGS 2000 Set and Abe Igi Aguda.

 

We also had in attendance the likes of Pastor Laja Lawal Godspower, Elder Akin Adebulehin, Mrs Kehinde Oladele, Mrs Oyesile, Dr Kemi Adesina, Mr and Mrs Olanrewaju, Mrs Odunlana, a former Permanent Secretary with the Lagos State Government, Mummy Omoyeni, Foursquare Gospel Church Omole members, Mrs Fakokunde CEO Clem's Stores and Abimbola Tinubu (ACI) NIS, Elder Ayoola Olagbaju. Lawal's friend and others too numerous to mention.