The town of Orile-Igbon in Oyo State was abuzz on Thursday as dignitaries and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects to Yeye Oba Margaret Oyeronke Alao, the late mother of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Alao. The revered matriarch was laid to rest in a grand ceremony that drew notable personalities from across Nigeria.
Yeye Oba Alao passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 81. Her burial rites were marked by solemn tributes and heartfelt eulogies, highlighting her impactful life and contributions to her family, community, and society at large.
At the funeral service held at Majesty Natural Resort, Orile-Igbon, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House, Lagos, delivered a moving sermon urging attendees to embrace Christianity. Citing Matthew 18:26, he emphasized the importance of spiritual fulfillment over material wealth.
“The soul of a man is more important than all the riches and treasures in this world. Everything we acquire on earth, we will leave behind. Life is short, and the ultimate goal should be making it to heaven,” Pastor Ighodalo said.
He continued: “As you buy your gold, shoes, wristwatches, mansions, and other material things, remember that life is temporary. The most essential thing is to make it to heaven. I celebrate Mama Alao—she lived a true Christian life. She loved her family dearly and was a dedicated chorister, a talent that is evident in her children. The greatest thing about Mama is that I believe she made it to heaven. Life is not worth living if one does not make it to heaven.”
In his goodwill message, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun described the late Yeye Oba Alao as a dedicated mother and entrepreneur who left a significant impact on those around her. “Mama had a humble beginning but was industrious, trading between Nigeria and Ghana. She was a loving and supportive wife, a doting mother, and an inspiration to many,” he remarked.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde extolled the virtues of the late matriarch, describing her as a devoted Christian, a caring mother, and a loving wife. He prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family.
Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, paid an emotional tribute to his mother, acknowledging her as a disciplinarian and a hardworking woman who sacrificed greatly for her family. “She was a loyal wife and an exceptional mother who ensured that her children were well brought up. Mama was brave, strong-hearted, and always ready to face life’s challenges with hope,” he said.
Entertainment at the event was provided by juju music icon King Sunny Ade, who thrilled the audience with his performance.
The funeral was attended by an array of dignitaries, including Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun; Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde; Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal; Kwara State Deputy Governor Mr. Kayode Alabi; the lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde; and the lawmaker representing Osun Central in the National Assembly, Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi.
Also in attendance were Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor Tayo Ayinde; former first ladies of Oyo, Lagos, Kwara, and Ogun States—Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, and Mrs. Funso Amosun respectively.
Others included Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; former senator Ayoade Adeseun; Alhaji Basiru Akanbi; Nollywood legend Chief Lere Paimo; former House of Representatives member Hon. Saheed Fijabi; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of LAUTECH, Dr. Deji Omole; former Oyo State House of Assembly member Hon. Wumi Oladeji; Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Prof. Banji Akintoye; Dr. Saka Balogun; prominent businessman Dr. Tunde Ayeni; traditional rulers; and several state lawmakers, among others.
