The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde has described the matriarch of Oladeji family, late Mrs. Janet Kikelomo Oladeji (JP), mother of two termed former member of Oyo state House of Assembly, Honorable Wumi Oladeji, as a devoted Christian who lived a fulfilled and selfless life of service.
Governor Makinde, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Public Works, Professor Dawud Sangodoyin, also stated that the deceased left behind, legacy of a successful child who has continued to impact Oyo state positively and Nigeria as a whole as well as beautiful grandchildren living in Nigeria and diaspora.
Late Mrs. Oladeji, passed away at a well advanced age of 83 after a brief illness synonymous with old age.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the memorial church service held at Salem Baptist Church, Gaa-Masifa, Ogbomoso, on Saturday, August 10, Sangodoyin said the event was a celebration of life well lived and urged others to emulate such life which he said depicted resilience, courage, and selflessness.
The ceremony was marked by prayers and solemn songs that reflected the deep respect and affection held for and shared with Mama Oladeji.
In his words: “His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde felicitates with the Oladeji family in celebrating the life of Late Mrs. Kikelomo Oladeji, their family matriarch, for a life well lived. Mama died a good and devoted Christian worthy of emulation.
“And indeed, His Excellency also appreciates the contribution of mama to the Christian community when she was alive. So, the governor’s message is that mama lived a good life that everyone of us should emulate.
“Even though, the governor was unable to meet mama personally when she was alive, the impact of her child, Honorable Wumi Oladeji to the development landscape of Oyo state and currently Nigeria, has remain indelible and immeasurable and have become a testament to her role in impacting our society.
“Hence, the need for us all to train our children well so that when we’re no more here, they’ll become our legacies and sustain what we lived for.”
Other dignitaries across political, heads of state and federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and religious leaders across different divides graced the event yesterday in Ogbomoso to honor the memory of late Mrs. Kikelomo Oladeji at the final farewell service.
Some of the notable dignitaries present at the event were National Assembly members; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari and Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Chief of Staff to the Oyo state governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Executive Assistant to Oyo state governor on Project Monitoring,
Chief Muftaudeen Open Salawu, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Professor Deji Omole, LAUTECH Vice Chancellor, Professor Rasaq Olatunde ROM Kalilu, Professor Segun Odunola, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, and Alhaji Babatunde Tijani (Double T).
Present and immediate past members of Oyo state House of Assembly in attendance include the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin who represented the Speaker and chairman Nigeria Conference of Speakers of state Legislatures, Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, Honorables Babajide Gabriel, Olusola Owolabi, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Ashimiyu Alarape, and Kazeem Babatunde ‘Arole’, while others are the Chairman of Oyo state Youth Development Agency, Prince Adebowale Falana, former deputy speaker and immediate past chairman of Oyo state House of Assembly Commission; Hon. Musa Abdulwasil, as well as Ibadan based entrepreneur and popular philanthropist, Chief Benedict Akika among others.
Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, in his brief comment while addressing newsmen praised Hon. Oladeji for being a pride of Ogbomoso as well as the Akala political dynasty, and also carrying on with the virtues of the Oladeji family praying God to grant the departed passage into eternal rest.
“Mama Oladeji lived a life that was rich in love, wisdom, and kindness. Her dedication to her family and community stands as a beacon of hope and an example of what a life well-lived looks like,” Olamiju said.
Various speakers at the event, including local leaders, clergy, and personal acquaintances, who reflected and shared stories of Mama Oladeji’s commitment to social causes and her role as a pillar of strength in her community especially within the body of Christ noted that her memory would continue to live on.
In her brief remarks, Hon. Wumi Oladeji, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB, visibly overwhelmed by her emotions, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and affection from those who knew his mother and assured that she would continue to sustain and build upon everything her late mother left behind.
She particularly expressed appreciations to Governor Seyi Makinde for his supports for the Oladeji family throughout the entire burial process noting that the governor has continued to demonstrate visionary leadership that transcends political affinity in the state.
“The tributes today are a testament to the incredible impact Mama had on everyone she encountered. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us,” Hon. Oladeji said.
Earlier in his sermon, Reverend Samuel Olayiwola noted that life is short and that people should be mindful of living impactful life while also reminding congregants that death is an end to one’s existence on earth and marks the beginning of a new journey into eternity.
Drawing from different scriptural chapters and verses, the preacher said death may come when it is long expected by some or it could also come when one least expected and as such urged the people to live a good life bearing in mind the day of judgement when everyone would account for the life they lived.
“Death is a necessary end to all that exists here on earth, life remains vanity and only fools gather wealth for themselves not knowing when life would end. Always bear in mind that all humans are strangers and sojourners here on earth, which is why all must depart this life at different times to begin a journey into eternity.
“What we do with life? careful of what to say and do in all things. Live life one day at a time as if each day were your last, learn to number your days and apply wisdom to live always, do not allow sin and ways of iniquity to reign in your life, and do not wait for a convenient time to mend your ways with God because another day may be too late to right any wrongs with God when death happens.” Rev Olayiwola said.
Others important personalities present at the event include Hon. George Ogunlade, Hon. Niyi Oyedokun, Dr Samson Adegoke Maigida, Engr. Dayo Lawal, Alhaji Laide Busari, and
Baale Masifa.