By Our Correspondent
The town of Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State on Friday, was set agog and came alive with glitz and farewell eulogies for the burial of late matriarch, Grace Bamidele-Ologunorisa, née Fapohunda of the Arogbokun dynasty.
Late Bamidele-Ologunorisa, mother of Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice Chancellor, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, was buried with pump and pagentry at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Akunmi-Akoko, to bid a farewell to the matriarch of the Ologunorisa dynasty.
Mama Bamidele-Ologunorisa, a devouted Christian and astute entrepreneur, was born into the Fapohunda of the Arogbokun dynasty in 1930, died on July 17, at the age of 95.
It would be recalled that her husband, late Gabriel Adelabu-Ologunoriaged, aged 93, who died on Nov. 8, 2024, was buried on Jan. 31, 2025, as his burial was rated one of the best ceremony in the town of Akungba Akoko till date.
The burial ceremony of late Mama Bamidele-Ologunorisa which kick-started on Thursday with the wake-keep ceremony at his residence in Akungba-Akoko, to herald her burial ceremony.took the same glitz, pump and pagentry of her husband.
The preacher, Pastor Gideon Oyewole-Obiwale, the Regional Pastor of CAC, while extolling Mama's virtue, spoke on the advantage of having Christ in one's life.
He emphasised that, the leadership of the church was keen on attending the funeral because the deceased was a committed member. emphasising and declared the supremacy of Jesus Christ, declaring that "all power belongs to Him and His power is universal.
According to him, the significance of faith is important in navigating life's journey and I celebrated mama's commitment to her Christian faith.
"Mama's life was a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact it can have on families and communities and urge the children and families to emulate this," Oyewole-Obiwale said.
Late Bamidele-Ologunorisa is survived by her children, including Barri. Samuel Ologunorisa, (SAN), founder, Sam Maris University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor, OAUSTECH, Okitipupa and Ebenezer Ologunorisa.
Barr Samuel Ologunorisa, (SAN), while speaking with the press paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother said "Her life taught us the paradoxes of strength and softness, of courage tempered by greatness.
"She faced hardship with a patient, unyielding faith, and she celebrated triumphs with a laughter that could mend a weary heart.
He quoted her words: "Though few, were weighty with wisdom: a reminder that mercy is a daily discipline, that gratitude is a quiet revolution, that love, when given freely, repeats itself in generations.
"I offer you this vow: I will strive to live as you lived - with grace under pressure, generosity without measure, and a heart that loves without condition, you are the compass guiding us toward kindness, dignity, and enduring faith," he said..
Prof. Temi Ologunorisa also said, "I can never forget your mentorship. You were protective, responsive, lovely, caring, available, and never gave up on us even in the face of uncertainty and challenges of life.
"You taught us the virtues of honesty, integrity, hard work, teamwork, and family values. As a child, you taught us not to eat and drink outside the home; this habit I cultivated even till today.
"You were an embodiment of a virtuous woman, and the Ruth of Ologunorisa's dynasty. You stood by us and were committed to your family till death. We will really miss you, 'Mama Banola' as we fondly called you,"
Also, Ebenezer Ologunorisa said, "You have always been an important part of my entire life and you will remain in my heart for all eternity.
"You were not just an amazing mother but an incredible one indeed. Your love, wisdom, and strength will continue to guide me and your memory forever in my heart."
In his remarks, Chief Joe Oluwole Oludare, her nephew and Baba Ijo of St James African Church, Akungba-Akoko, described Mama Bamidele-Ologunorisa as a very decent and diligent woman who carries assignments and instructions out meticulously and successfully.
"I know I have lost a mother, a friend and a confidant. When my mother, Madam Phoebe Ibineye, the Bere of Chief Ogundoro Arogbokun and your aunt was passing away, she called on us, her children, and handed us into your hands.
"You did not fail God, you did not fail your late first cousin and our mother and you did not fail us the children. Above all, you did not fail the Oludare Dynasty, known as the three brothers/fathers," Oludare said.
The family of Ologunorisa, however, appreciated the support and condolences from friends, family, and well-wishers, saying as they celebrate her life, they would take comfort in the memories of her love, faith, and enduring legacy.
The event was graced by dignitaries, political elites, legal luminaries, scholars, royal fathers, family members, friends, well wishers and OAUSTECH staff and students among others.
Ace legend and Juju Maestro, Dr Yinka Aiyefele thrilled the guests and audience to gospel and Juju delight. (NAN)
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