Princess Abigail Adedunmade Awofolaju’s burial holds at Ife as Bishop Akinlade charges all to see death as unavoidable end.

 

By Steve Ovirih .

 

The Diocesan Bishop of Ife, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade has urged christians to see death as an end that will reach all humanity, therefore everyone must be prepared for its gloomy visit. Bishop Akinlade gave this charge at the funeral service of Late Princess Abigail Adedunmade Awofolaju Nee Adeyeye Jones. The funeral service held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church , Olatunbosun Layout, Off Road 7 by OAU, Ile-Ife on Saturday 20th Match, 2025.

 

Earlier on Friday at the deceased residence , Olatunbosun Layout, Ile Ife, Priests of St.Barnabas Anglican Church coordinated a Christian wake that was well attended by choir members, parishioners, family and friends from far and near, neighbours and the good people of Ile- Ife who identified with Mama Awofolaju in her life time.

 

Bishop Akinlade, quoting from Proverbs Chapter 27 verse 4, during the funeral sermon, stressed the uncertainty of life, hence the need to devote everyday to preparing to meet the Lord. “Do you think of death as a phenomenon that will eventually end every human life? Death will reach all humanity. The Bible is clear about death as the end of all ; therefore we all need to be conscious of the end since we all are aware that we will leave some day just like Mama Awofolaju who has gone to be with The Lord. As christians, let’s learn to do things right,” Bishop Akinlade admonished the congregation. He described the deceased as an industrious, enterprising woman who was very hardworking and committed to the the work of God in her life. The cleric equally thanked the children of the deceased for taking good care of their mother in her life time and celebrating her life and time after she has exited this world, drumming in the ears of the congregation the fact that even if like Mama Awofolaju, we live to be above hundred years, our stay on earth is no doubt fleeting and brief.

 

The funeral programme, which was attended by Mama Awofolaju’s children, family and friends both from Nigeria and overseas, featured thanksgiving dance and special choir ministration.

 

The remains of Late Princess Adedunmade Awofolaju, who lived to be 103 years in her life time, was committed to mother earth in her residence , Olatunbosun Layout, By Road 7, OAU, Ile Ife. At the committal, Dr. Akinola Awofolaju and his siblings bade their darling mother a pensive farewell as they performed the rite of dust to dust, watching with fixed gaze as the lowering device effected for the last time a descent to the grave of the committed church leader, Mama Abigail Awofolaju.

 

 

Christal Heritage Event and Conference Center Ile Ife, venue of the reception and entertainment of guests was filled with people from all walks of life who have come to celebrate with the children of Mama Awofolaju, the life and time of their matriarch as members of Ife Ooye North America, Dr. Akinola Awofolaju’s friends across Europe and America and dignitaries from Nigeria were all on ground at the reception. It was a no holds barred reception as the Ife rave and music maestro held guests spell bound with high life melodies for hours.

 

On the fringe of the entertainment, Dr. Akinola Awofolaju and his American based guests who spoke with the polity. net showered glowing tributes on the deceased. Dr. Akinola Awofolaju said he was blessed with the best mum in the world , a very hardworking mother and a prayer warrior. He said his mother taught him strong virtues he won’t ever forget, adding that her memory will remain evergreen. “On behalf of my beloved wife, Dame Justina ‘Bibi’ Awofolaju, my three sons, Dr. Oluwadamilola Awofolaju, Oluwafemi Awofolaju and Denzel Ehijie Awofolaju, and my entire family, I bid this final farewell to a mother whose love will never fade or die, ” Dr. Awofolaju said.

 

Madam Abigail Adedunmade Awofolaju, fondly remembered as Iya Olobi, who was born on April 30th,1922, lived a long , fulfilling life that was marked by resilience , love , courage and deep devotion to her family and an unwavering faith in Christ.