New Jersey Based Lady, Omotayo Awujoola & Siblings Bury Their Mother In Grand Style

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, a New Jersey, US-based lady, Mrs. Tayo Awujoola and her siblings gave their late mother, Mama Margaret Adekunbi Afolabi (Nee Ojeyinka) a befitting burial in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The glamorous burial ceremony was a two-day affair. It kicked off on Wednesday, July 17 with a wake-keep service at the deceased's residence.

All of Mama's children were present at the event to bid her farewell. They include Pastor Aderemi Afolabi and his wife, Mrs. Omowumi Afolabi; Mrs. Omotayo Awujoola and her husband, Mr. Segun Awujoola; Mr. Oladimeji Afolabi and his wife, Mrs. Omolara Afolabi; Mrs. Modupeola Daramola and her spouse, Mr. Akintunde Daramola; Mrs. Abiola Osho and her husband, Mr. Bolaji Osho; and Mr. Olayinka Awolowo.

Before the wake-keeping service on Wednesday, Mama's remains were ceremoniously moved from the morgue to her residence. Children, friends, family, and well-wishers danced and celebrated the life of Mama Margaret in their crested t-shirts with the deceased's picture, while the pallbearers from God’s Grace Funeral Home displayed her casket.

On the same day at around 4:00 pm, religious leaders including Apostle J.O Iyiola from Bible Based Church, Rev. Francis Adisa from Redemption Family Church, Pastor Kayode Ilori from Kings Chapel International Church, Pastor Rotimi Akerele from The Precious Foundation World Outreach, and Pastor Akin Obisesan from Bible Based Church arrived at the home of the deceased to conduct the Wake-Keep service.

During his sermon, Apostle J.O Iyiola preached about the positive aspects of death. He mentioned that death shouldn't always be seen as a negative event, but rather for its positive qualities. He explained that death signifies the end to suffering for the deceased and encouraged people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Pastor Isaac prayed for the children, and Pastor Aderemi Afolabi gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the family. He expressed gratitude to Dr. Onifade and Dr. Adelakun, who were present at the event, for the roles they played in their lives since the passing of their father.

The service of songs was officiated by the Jubilee Voices Band led by Princess Yemisi Olakanla.

The main burial on Thursday, however, started with a funeral service at the Bible Life Holiness Church, Bashorun Ibadan.

Dr. Francis Adesola officiated the service and began by congratulating the family for their mother's teachings in the ways of Christ.

He also mentioned that the late Mama Margaret was a born-again Christian and emphasized the preaching of Apostle Iyiola during the Wednesday wake-keep service. He agreed with the statement that death is a divine rest.

He said: "Death is inevitable and gives eternal rest. Mama knew God and dedicated her life to serve God”.

The interment followed immediately at the residence of the deceased after the Church service.

The guests were thereafter hosted in a very grand reception at the popular Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. The hall was beautifully decorated with Purple as the colour of the day.

The security for the event was handled by teams such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and private guards from Treasure Guards Event. The guests had a great time at the party, enjoying delicious food from Bluetooth Catering and Event, as well as drinks and various other attractions.

Prince Segun Adewole, also known as Kokoro, entertained the guests with Juju and Fuji beats, while saxophonist Shola Adesina welcomed the 'Omo Olokus' to the hall.

"The opening prayer was given by Pastor Ajeyemi to bless the day's event. Additionally, a significant announcement was made at the reception about the establishment of the Margaret Adekunbi Widow’s Foundation in memory of their mother, who became a widow herself at the age of 33 years."

The foundation's goal is to provide financial assistance and basic supplies to widows, and they have created digital forms to connect with widows globally.

Jide Adegbite, also known as Miliki Daddy, served as the event planner and was the master of ceremony.

Below is the list of distinguished individuals who graced the event:

- Alh. Olaide Olanrewaju, CEO of OllyDee Lodging and Suites, Mrs. Kehinde Eyinade, Brother Dele Afolabi, Otunba Kunle Akande, Mr. Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale, Permanent Secretary of Oyo State Local Government Commission, Alhaja Monsurat Olaiya, HLGA Ibadan South East Local Government, Olori Abike, Erelu Adetutu Adedipe, Mr. Lasun Ladipo-Bada and others.