By Samuel Ajide
Emotions ran high in Oro-Ago community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as family members, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other sympathisers gathered to bid a final farewell to Chief Mrs Ifabiyi Comfort Abiodun-Lawal, the revered matriarch fondly known as the Iye Oro, who died at the age of 85.
The funeral, held on Wednesday, was marked by tears, prayers and heartfelt tributes celebrating the life of a woman widely remembered for her unwavering Christian faith, generosity, discipline, selflessness and commitment to her family and community.
A thanksgiving service and reception for guests followed on Friday, October 23, at Latara Hotel and Suites, Offa Road, Ilorin, Kwara State, providing another opportunity for relatives, friends and well-wishers to celebrate her life and enduring legacy.
Leading the family at the burial was her son, Ondo State House of Assembly member, Ifabiyi Olatunji (JP), who paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, recalling her sacrifices, prayers, guidance and unconditional love.
Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were former Ondo State governorship aspirant, Wale Akinterinwa; the member of the House of Representatives representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, Festus Adefiranye, who was represented by his Press Secretary, Adebayo Lawrence; and former Ondo State Commissioner for Transport, Tobi Ogunleye.
Serving members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, clergymen, political associates, community leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress from Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, led by Alhaji Fatai Olawale, were also present to honour the deceased.
Her remains were laid to rest in her hometown of Oro-Ago amid an atmosphere of grief and reflection, as mourners celebrated a life that, according to tributes, was defined by faith, sacrifice, compassion and devotion to others.
Cleric Urges Christians to Prepare for Eternity
Delivering the funeral sermon, Rev. John Olawale Awoyemi of the First ECWA Church, Oro-Ago, urged Christians to reflect on the brevity of human life and the importance of living in accordance with the will of God.
Drawing his message from Romans 8:18 and Revelation 4:1–4, the cleric reminded the congregation that earthly existence was temporary and that every individual would eventually return to their Creator.
He encouraged Christians to live purposeful lives anchored in faith, righteousness, love and service to humanity, stressing that people should prepare for eternity while they still had the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society.
“Our days are like a shadow. We are going back to our Creator, and our lives on earth will determine whether we will be with the Lord or not,” he said.
Rev. Awoyemi described the late matriarch as a woman whose strong Christian faith and commitment to prayer positively influenced her family, the church and the wider community.
He noted that her life of devotion and service offered a worthy example for others to emulate, particularly in a society where the values of love, compassion and selflessness remain essential to building strong families and communities.
Ifabiyi Recalls Mother's Prayers, Sacrifices and Unconditional Love
In an emotional tribute titled “Celebration of Life of a Great Mother (IYE ORO),” the lawmaker described his late mother as an exceptional woman whose life revolved around prayer, discipline, generosity, sacrifice and unconditional love.
Recounting cherished memories of their relationship, Ifabiyi recalled her cooking, the familiar sound of her hymns and the way she called his name and prayed for him before he left home.
He described her as his counsellor, friend, disciplinarian and greatest supporter, explaining that she corrected him with love, celebrated his achievements and stood firmly by him during difficult moments.
According to him, his mother instilled in him the virtues of contentment, forgiveness, generosity and compassion, while consistently demonstrating that prayer should remain the foundation of daily living.
“Her greatest strength was her unwavering commitment to prayer,” he said.
The lawmaker recalled that his mother's influence became even more profound when she moved in with his family in Ilorin before eventually returning to Oro-Ago.
He said she frequently knelt in prayer, lifted her face towards heaven and interceded fervently for him, his wife, children, siblings and other people around her.
Describing her prayers as a source of strength, comfort and reassurance, Ifabiyi said his mother's spiritual devotion extended beyond her immediate needs, as she consistently remembered members of the family and others in her prayers.
“She was a woman who carried burdens on her knees so the rest of us could walk freely. She was a blessing to my family from the day she began living with us,” he said.
The lawmaker acknowledged the pain of losing a mother whose influence had been central to his life, but expressed confidence that her teachings, prayers and values would continue to guide the family for generations.
He pledged to preserve her legacy by upholding the virtues she taught him, particularly devotion to prayer, love for others, generosity, forgiveness and commitment to service.
He also expressed hope that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would continue to reflect the principles that defined her lifetime, ensuring that her influence would remain alive long after her passing.
Dignitaries, Political Associates Honour Late Matriarch
The presence of political leaders, serving lawmakers, traditional rulers and community representatives at the funeral reflected the wide circle of relationships associated with the late Iye Oro.
The attendance of Akinterinwa, Adefiranye's representative, Ogunleye and other political associates from Ondo State further underscored the connections between the deceased's family and individuals across political and community leadership circles.
Members of the APC from Odigbo Local Government Area also joined other mourners to identify with the family during the period of mourning.
The gathering brought together people from different backgrounds to pay their last respects to a woman whose life was celebrated not only through her relationship with her children but also through the values of faith, generosity and service attributed to her.
For the Ifabiyi family, the funeral was both an occasion to mourn their loss and an opportunity to reflect on the enduring lessons of a life devoted to raising children, supporting loved ones and serving God.
Ifabiyi Appreciates Supporters
Expressing gratitude to those who stood by the family during the mourning period, Ifabiyi appreciated relatives, friends, political associates, community leaders and other sympathisers for their presence, prayers, encouragement and solidarity.
He described their support as a source of comfort during a difficult period, noting that their kindness had helped the family cope with the loss of their beloved matriarch.
He also acknowledged the contributions of those who travelled from different locations to attend the burial and thanksgiving activities in honour of his mother.
The family expressed appreciation for the outpouring of love and support, which accompanied the funeral arrangements and the celebration of the deceased's life.
Thanksgiving Service Holds in Ilorin
The funeral activities continued on Friday, October 23, with a thanksgiving service and reception at Latara Hotel and Suites, Offa Road, Ilorin.
The gathering offered family members, friends and well-wishers another opportunity to celebrate the late matriarch's life, remember her contributions and reflect on the values she passed on to successive generations.
Although her death has brought sorrow to her family and the Oro-Ago community, tributes at the funeral highlighted the enduring influence of her faith, wisdom, discipline and compassion.
For her children and grandchildren, the memories of her prayers, guidance and sacrifices remain an important part of her legacy.
Chief Mrs Ifabiyi Comfort Abiodun-Lawal may have taken her final bow at the age of 85, but the virtues associated with her life continue to resonate with those who knew her.
As mourners departed Oro-Ago and Ilorin after the funeral and thanksgiving activities, the late matriarch was remembered as a devoted mother, committed Christian and respected community figure whose life left an enduring imprint on her family and the people around her.
Her legacy as the Iye Oro of Oro-Ago, they observed, will continue through the generations shaped by her love, prayers, discipline and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others.
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