Orile-Igbon, a historic town in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, came to a standstill on Thursday as dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians, captains of industry, and well-wishers, among others gathered to bid farewell to Yeye Oba Margaret Oyeronke Alao, the mother of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The late matriarch, who passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 81, was celebrated for her remarkable life, unwavering faith, and devotion to family and community.

A Fitting Tribute to a Life Well Lived

The funeral service, held at Majesty Natural Resort, Orile-Igbon, was an emotional yet grand occasion that saw an outpouring of love and respect from family, friends, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.

Delivering a powerful sermon, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Lagos, urged attendees to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of spiritual fulfillment.

“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul? Everything we acquire on earth, we will leave behind. The most important thing is to make it to heaven.”

He described Mama Alao as a devout Christian, a dedicated mother, and a woman who instilled strong moral values in her children, adding that her legacy of faith and love will endure.

Dignitaries Pay Glowing Tributes

The funeral attracted an array of top personalities, each sharing heartfelt tributes to the departed matriarch.

Prince Dapo Abiodun (Governor, Ogun State):

“Mama was an entrepreneur with a humble beginning, trading between Nigeria and Ghana. She was a polyglot who spoke English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Ghanaian dialects fluently. Despite her limited formal education, she raised a successful family. Her legacy speaks for itself.”

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor, Lagos State, represented by Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde):

“Mama Alao was a devoted Christian, a pillar of strength in her family, and a source of wisdom. Her impact will forever be cherished.”

Olugbon’s Emotional Eulogy

For Oba Francis Olushola Alao, his mother’s passing was a deeply personal loss. In his tribute, he described her as a disciplinarian, a hardworking woman, and a devoted wife who stood by her husband through thick and thin.

 

“She was a great mother who ensured that her children turned out well. She was never rigid but always courageous, strong-willed, and ready to face life’s challenges head-on.”

He also praised her unique fashion sense, recalling how she always coordinated her outfits with elegance and style.

Olori Alao’s Tribute: A Bond Beyond Words

In her emotional message, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, wife of the Olugbon, reflected on the close relationship she shared with her mother-in-law.

“She loved her children unconditionally, especially Brother Femi and Kabiyesi. Whenever we spoke, she would reminisce about their childhood mischief, always defending them. She was a loving and caring mother, full of wisdom and patience.”

King Sunny Ade Serenades the Audience

The grand farewell was not just about solemn reflections; it was also a celebration of a life well lived. Music legend King Sunny Ade took to the stage, lifting the spirits of guests with his timeless juju tunes, turning the event into a blend of mourning and joyful remembrance.

A Gathering of Nigeria’s Elite

The funeral drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including:

Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor, Oyo State, Dauda Lawal, Governor, Zamfara State, Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor, Kwara State, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central Senatorial District), Senator Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Chief Lere Paimo (Veteran Nollywood Actor), and a Business Mogul, Dr. Tunde Ayeni,

 

Others are former First Ladies: Mrs. Florence Ajimobi (Oyo), Dame Abimbola Fashola (Lagos), Mrs. Toyin Saraki (Kwara), Mrs. Funso Amosun (Ogun), Minister for Power,  Bayo Adelabu, Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, Madam Esther Ajayi,  Iyalaje Oodua, Yeye Toyin Lolade,
Major Gen. Dayo Olupoki, General Dayo Owonibi, Eletu Odibo, and Chief Waheed Gbadamosi

Also in attendance were traditional rulers, state lawmakers, and top business leaders.

Final Resting Place

As Yeye Oba Margaret Alao was laid to rest, her family, friends, and well-wishers bade a tearful goodbye, cherishing her legacy of love, sacrifice, and faith.

Orile-Igbon, a historic town in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, played host to dignitaries from all walks of life on Wednesday as they gathered to honour the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, during the burial activities for his late mother, Yeyeoba Oyeronke Alao.

The revered matriarch, who passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 81, was celebrated in a series of colourful events that showcased the rich Yoruba culture, tradition, and deep respect for motherhood.

From political heavyweights to traditional rulers, business moguls, and entertainment icons, the town witnessed a convergence of distinguished personalities who gathered to pay their last respects to the pillar of the royal household.

Amidst glowing tributes, many described Yeyeoba Alao as a woman of virtue, a pillar of strength, and a mother who played a significant role in shaping the life and reign of Oba Alao.

More details will follow as the programme continues tomorrow.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has urged former military president Ibrahim Babangida to disclose the identities of individuals responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

In his recently launched memoir, Babangida acknowledged that late Chief MKO Abiola won the election conducted 32 years ago.

Senator Kalu expressed anticipation for a second volume of Babangida’s memoir that would address unanswered questions surrounding the annulment.

He stated, “I look forward to the second edition of Babangida’s book because the first did not reveal all the realities. I was present during the events of June 12, and I know what happened. Babangida should call out the names of those responsible for preventing the election declaration.”

Also, Senator Kalu called on President Bola Tinubu to officially recognise the late MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents. He proposed that Abiola’s portrait be placed alongside those of other former leaders in the Presidential Villa.

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring a posthumous national honour on Abiola but emphasised the need for further recognition.

“Since Abiola won, his picture should be placed among Nigeria’s past presidents. I commend former President Buhari for giving him a national honour, but I also appeal to President Tinubu to officially recognise him and place his image where it belongs. This would help bring succour to his family,” Kalu added.