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Oyo: Orile-Igbon Stands Still as Oba Alao’s Mother Gets a Grand Farewell
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.
China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.
The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.
“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.
Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.
In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
