By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The celebration of life well spent of Princess Cecilia Idowu Layonu Olalusi (Nee Omisore) will continue to linger in the memories of the family, friends and all the invited guests present at the occasion.
The befitting burial ceremony started on Thursday, February 20, 2025, with service of songs at RCCG, Holy Ghost Power Cathedral, Oyo Province 2 Headquarters, 1, Redemption Way, Oluwonla Bashorun/ New Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State by 4pm.
The event started with praises by the church choir followed by the opening prayer said by Pastor David Ondah.
Thereafter, the first, second, third and fourth lessons were read by the children of the deceased, Morolayo Atoki, Dr. Adetokunbo Adegoke, Mrs Morris Atoki and Barrister Kehinde Sonde.
When it was testimonies and tributes time, friends and families came out and lauded Madam Cecilia Idowu Layonu Olalusi (Nee Omisore) as a respectful woman who loved her children so much, a great Christian, lover of all and unique woman who used most of her life time to worship God and they prayed to God to give Mama eternal rest.
Exhortation was delivered by the Pastor in charge RCCC, Hallelujah Zone, Oyo 2, Pastor Mathew Odige, followed by prayer for the family coordinated by Pastor in charge of Oyo Province 2, Pastor Mrs. Dayo Akinrinde.
While vote of thanks was said by one of the deceased children, Dr Adetokunbo Adegoke and the closing prayer was said by Pastor Mathew Odige and the church program was coordinated by Pastor Lateef Adesina .
On Friday morning, 21st of February 2025, all the children converged to give their mother, Madam Cecilia Idowu Layonu Olalusi (Nee Omisore) last respect.
Immediately, the corpse left the morgue of TOS Funerals who cares for the living and the dead at surulere street, sharp corner, Oke Ado, Ibadan moving straight to her residence Oluwonla, Bashorun, Ibadan for lying in state.
During the display of the corpse by officials of Final Call Funerals own by Dele Animashaun, the children and in – laws lauded their mother and disclosed to Apreel1 Events TV what they will greatly missed in their mother while thanking the who is who in the society, business stakeholders, creme de la creme and host of others who came from far and near to give their mother last respect.
Thereafter, they all left for The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Holy Ghost Power Cathedral, Oyo Province 2 Headquarters,Oluwo nla for the funeral service.
At the church,the only bible lesson for the service was read by Dr. Adetokunbo Adegoke and Mama’s biography was read by Erelu Modupe Kuti followed by special anthem from the choir.
Thereafter, short exhortation titled, “Love not the World”, was delivered by Pastor Emmanuel Falaye. The cleric stated that we must not put total concentration to the world because it is a planet where people are dwelling in sins, warning that each and every one of us cannot escape the judgement of God .
He added that the world cannot give us everlasting joy, urging brethren to give their lives to Jesus Christ because our labour in this world is nothing but vanity.
Then there was prayer for the family by Pastor (Mrs) Bisi Kolapo followed by the last respect for the deceased.
Thereafter, they all moved in convoy to St. James’ Cathedral Cemetery, Ijokodo, Ibadan for the interment.
Meanwhile, the hall for the reception, Daylan Event Hall, Poly Road, Eleyele Ibadan, was filled to the brim with who in the society, business stakeholders, the anointed men and women of God, celebrities, political icons and host of others waiting for children of the deceased for the party to start.
At the reception, the opening prayer was said by Tolani Adelaja of Splash FM. Later, the Master of Ceremony, Remi Babajide started calling the children one by one to dance with their invited guests.
It was fun all through as the hall was fully decorated and all the invited guests were dressed in a colourful Ankara for the occasion.
What really baffled Apreel1 Events TV was how the event was well organised with all the invited guests well catered for with quality dishes.
Remi Babajide anchored the event withJossy Kay who was behind the microphone dishing out quality music to entertain the guests. Asake also came with traditional band to entertain the guests.
Some of the dignitaries present include one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja ll).
Also, Olori Folasade Ashley; members of the Omisore family, Magaji Alli – Iwo family, Giwa and others. Redandel World packaged the event and was covered by Apreel1 Events TV.
