•How The Ladibo of Ondo Kingdom Was Laid To Rest In Style
‘To live is Christ and to die is gain’ was the word of consolation for the wife, children, friends, family, well-wishers and the entire Ondo community at the burial of rites of Chief Fola Clement Akinfe, the Ladibo of Ondo Kingdom, a man loved by the entire community, whose lifestyle became the bible that most people read. He was laid to rest on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 but activities had started since Thursday July 1st, with commendation service and service of songs.
The classy two-day event had the crème-de-la-crème of the ancient city of Ondo in attendance, professionals from all walks of life within the country and in the US, and most notably, members of the Ondo State Ministry of of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Nigeria Town Planners Association, Ondo State chapter, where Chief Akinfe had served honorably before his retirement a few years ago.
From the planning to the execution, the event can only be best described as topnotch. Every face of the party had a touch of class. Apart from the fact that there was a display of affluence at every point, the vendors also gave in their best to ensure that all went as planned and timely too.
City People’s DAMILARE SALAMI 0815513415 and Senior Photojournalist, Abdulrasheed Sanni spent two days in Ondo City where the event took place and here are some of the most memorable moments captured there, enjoy it.
ABOUT CHIEF CLEMENT FOLA AKINFE
Chief Clement Fola Akinfe was a man described as simple, down to earth and a cheerful giver by many of the people that spoke to City People about him. When he started his stellar career as an Urban and Regional Planner with the Old Western Region Government in Ibadan in at the Ministry of Lands and Housing, many of his older colleagues already knew that he was meant for the top because of the innovation he brought to the table.
The late Pa Akinfe would later move to Ondo State after the new state creation and alongside a few others, he laid a strong foundation for the regional planning of what the state looks like today in the state’s ministry of works and housing. Record has it that Chief Akinfe popularly known as ‘Akinfe is my name’ was practically involved in every stage of the development of Ondo State from the scratch till he retired in 2005 as Director in the ministry, having served for 35 years without any blemish.
Chief Akinfe among several other things was a loving husband, father and great-grandfather who would prefer to give out his last penny to someone in need. No one ever comes to the late Pa Akinfe for help and goes back disappointed, another source revealed to City People.
Before he finally laid down his sword at the feet of Christ, the late Pa Akinfe was a Christian by faith, a socialist by conviction and principle. He was a member of the Town Planning Registration Council (TOPREC), the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, the National Association of Town Planners in USA, the Society of International Development in USA, among several other professional body.
This illustrious son of the soil was honored with a chieftaincy title as the Sade of Ondo Kingdom in 1997 and was later elevated by the 44th Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, HIM Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo as the Ladibo of Ondo Kingdom, one of the highest chieftaincy titles in the land in January 2020.
Akinfe is my name was happily married to a retired journalist of high repute, Chief Mrs Olu Florence Akinfe and they were blessed with five successful children and beautiful grandchildren. He died on February 19, 2021 but had lived a life of impact for 78 years.
MEET LATE PA AKINFE’S CHILDREN
Just as it has been emphasized, the late Pa Akinfe was a family man. He was a man who loved his wife and children so dearly that he places nothing above them. Pa Akinfe and his beloved wife had five children and they are all based in Maryland in the US. The first on the list is Aremo Obirin Olayinka Akinfe now Ogunsakin by marriage, she is a top accountant who works with the World Bank. Others Abayomi Akinfe who is also married to a Princess, Opeyemi. Bankole Akinfe is the third, Yemi Majolagbe nee Akinfe and Folajimi Akinfe.
ONDO TOWN PLANNERS ASSOCIATION HOLD COMMENDATION SERVICE FOR ITS LATE HERO
As record has it, Pa Akinfe was one of the pillars of the Nigerian Town Planners Association, Ondo State Chapter. His roles cannot be swept under the carpet. He was not just a leader in the association, he was also a mentor and role model to many of the members today. He taught many of them the pathway and his legacies live on. These and many other reasons made the association open the funeral right of this late hero with a commendation service at his residence in GRA, Ondo City.
All the members of the association came en masse to honour Pa Akinfe and many of them revealed how he had helped them on the job and in life situations. The current Director of the Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Tofowomo Abimbola in his late boss gave room for growth and development for him and many others by trusting them with duties and responsibilities he could have shielded. ‘If you need my help in any way, always let me know’, was his mantra, he said.
Also speaking at the event was the NITP Ondo State chapter Chairman, Pastor Anawoye Sam Ayodele who also expressed how he was mentored on the job by the late icon and how Pa Akinfe’s experiences has helped him in running the affairs of the association.
Members of the association in attendance include Tpl Tofowomo Abimbola, director, Ondo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Pastor Anawoye Sam Ayodele, NITP Ondo State chapter Chairman, TPL Chief Bisi Kumapayi, TPL J.N. Ibikunle, TPL Dr. Gbenga Enisan, TPL Prince A.G. Adeyemi, TPL Z.L. Alonge, TPL A.E. Akinlotan, TPL Chief Olumide Kayode, TPL Sogbon Odinibile, TPL Chief Olumide Kayode, TPL F.S. Akinsenimi, TPL Dr M.O Alabi, TPL Mrs Funmilayo Modebola-Fademine, TPL T.O Omotoyinbo, TPL I.E Awodu and TPL J.O Adeniyi.
PA AKINFE’S REMAINS ARRIVED ON A CART
Luxury was in display on Thursday morning as the remains of Pa Akinfe was arriving from the mortuary. The norm was for it to arrive in an ambulance but his was different. Trust his children who have been well trained and successful to give their dad a befitting last respect, and they they did in style. The remains of Pa Akinfe arrived on a cart just like a warrior that just arrived from the war front.
MOYO CULTURAL BAND THRILLED AT DOKUMASUN
Dokumasun is a cultural wake in Ondo Kingdom. It is an ancient culture were family, friends and lovers of the deceased keep awake on the eve of the burial of a deceased person. It is often done in celebration of life. The Moyo Cultural Band performed all night to the amazement of all, it was fun. Everyone enjoyed their performance and the feedback City People from guests was positive.
IT WAS AN ALL-WHITE SERVICE OF SONGS
The service of songs for the late Pa Akinfe was held at his residence on Thursday, July 1st, 2021 at his residence. It was an all-white affair. Baba’s children and their spouses were all gorgeously dressed. They were not mourning but celebrating a man whose impacts on people cannot be erased on the sand of time. Men of timber and caliber in the Ondo kingdom equally came around to pay their homages to the late sage.
BELL UNDERTAKERS DID WELL
If there’s a funeral service provider that does its job well in Ondo state, one of the names to consider would be Bells. This outfit is known only to cater to the need of top socialites in the state and beyond. For a man of Pa Akinfe’s class, they were just a round peg in a round hole. They display of professionalism at the event just placed them on another rank on the minds of the guest of Pa Akinfe’s family.
FORMER GOVERNOR OLUSEGUN MIMIKO EULOGISES HIS LATE FRIEND
One of the topmost faces spotted at Pa “Akinfe is my name’s” service of song was the immediate past governor of Ondo state and another record breaking son of Ondo Kingdom, Mr Olusegun Mimiko. Sources revealed that he was a very close friend of Pa Akinfe and his family. He sat on the front row beside Mrs Florence Akinfe and was found consoling her a couple of times before he took his leave at the end of the programme.
Speaking with City People, ex-governor Mimiko revealed that Pa Akinfe was a very good man in every definition of it, a very proud Ondo man, a traditional chief who embodied everything called noble. We are very proud of him and we pray that God will be with his wife and children, he concluded.
CHRIST CHURCH OF NEW TESTAMENT ALADURA ANCHORED INTERNMENT
Although Pa Akinfe was a catholic, he spent the later part of his life being a friend of the Christ Church of New Testament Aladura in Bolorunduro, Ondo City where Primate Prophet Ade Adesegha (JP) is the spiritual head and the Aladura church was honoured with handling Baba’s burial. The Aladura church took charge of the burial activities from the service of songs down to the internment.
TEARY FACES AT THE GRAVESIDE
It’s not always easy to wave goodbye to a beloved father, especially the caring ones. Pa Akinfe’s family could hardly hold themselves together at the graveside. Mrs Florence Akinfe and her daughters particularly were very emotional. It was a very difficult moment for every member of the family.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND EVENT CENTER HOSTS RECEPTION
The reception party for Pa Akinfe’s burial would be the talk of the town for another few months until there’s an event that can match what was experienced by the people of Ondo. The popular Four Seasons Resort and Event Center in Yaba, Ondo, was the grand reception venue. The venue was fully secured by private security agents and men of the Nigerian Police. The auditorium was beautifully decorated with a blend of burnt orange and a touch of green.
LADIES STUN IN ANKARA AND LACE ASO-EBI
There were two categories of Aso-Ebi at Pa Akinfe’s burial party. The first and most common was an Ankara Aso-Ebi with a touch of burnt orange, green and blue. The second was a beautiful burnt orange colour lace. Both filled the auditorium in different styles and shades. Did you know that Ondo babes are fashionistas too? City People can confirm that Ondo State has pretty babes and sure know how to slay.
THE AKINFES IN BEAUTIFUL OUTFITS
Baba’s children looked radiating and astonishing in their outfits. They had two different attires for the burial ceremony on Friday. They stunned in white and carton brown during the burial and then they changed to the colour of the day, a touch of green. Let’s quickly tell you that Mrs Yinka Ogunsakin and her sister, Mrs Yemi Majolagbe were the stars of the family because of their dressings. They looked super beautiful and like the celebrities that they are.
MC CONSTITUTED WAXXY ANCHORED EVENT
Constituted Waxxy is a fast-rising compere that has been running his thing for some time now in Ondo. He anchored the event and did very well. He is a combination of class and funny. He started with some rib-cracking jokes and at intervals, he would slot in some to ease pressure on his guests. Many of the guests had a good impression of him on the job and he has certainly established himself as a force to watch out for in the comedy and compere business in Ondo City and beyond.
YINKA AYEFELE ON THE BANDSTAND
Yinka Ayefele was on the bandstand, everyone, expectedly enjoyed his performance. Trust him to always deliver when he is needed, Yinka Aeyefele didn’t drop the microphone as soon as he took over from MC. He ran the show from the beginning till the very end of the party, dishing out cool alujo and tungba tunes from his archives and blending them properly with current trends.
YINKA OGUNSAKIN STOLE SHOW ON STAGE
Pa Akinfe’s first child was to lead the dance at the burial party. Mrs Yinka Ogunsakin came upstage with her husband and her clique. She didn’t just look beautiful, she also danced well. Many of her friends were with her. Call them party-rockers and you will not be wrong. Yes, they had a nice time with Yinka Ayefele and his band.
ABAYOMI AKINFE & WIFE THRILL
Call him a big boy and you will definitely not be wrong. Abayomi Akinfe is the late Pa Akinfe’s second child and first son. Abayomi and his wife gave a good account of themselves as party-rockers and spenders on stage. They spent and equally received. Some of the big boys spotted at the party were friends of Abayomi who came in a big way. They made the party more fun for the onlookers because they were a joy to watch especially their thrilling dance steps.
NOLLYWOOD STAR, FUNSO ADEOLU CAME THROUGH FOR HIS FRIEND
Funso Adeolu needs no introduction, he is a popular Nollywood star. He was spotted at the event dancing with his friend, Abayomi Akinfe. City People gathered that they are close pals. Funso Adeolu is a great dancer and he showed a bit of it while Yinka Ayefele serenaded.
DID YOU SEE THE MAJOLAGBES?
This beautiful couple made love look so simple and charming. Folayemi Majolagbe and are husband are the ones we are talking about here. They looked so beautiful together. From the service of songs to the reception party, this couple stood out. They were also seen spraying cash and receiving cash spray on the dance floor.
THE BANKY AND JIMMY DANCE
Bankole and Folajimi Akinfe are two very intimate brothers. Bankole is Baba’s third child while Jimmy is the last. They had their dance at a go. Their friends were there too as well as their siblings to dance with them. It was fun all the way.
MEET THE INDEFATIGABLE EVENT PLANNER AND VENDORS
The event planner, Lady Ope Bademosi-Ekunpa’s professionalism is second to none. She is the CEO of Zodiac Events. She was in charge of sourcing the vendors and making sure everything went according to plan. She did a great job and got the best hands. There were no complaints from the celebrants about any of the vendors. She can be reached on +2348062487878. The list of the vendors include Caterers – Hilkrest Catering Services and Danifas Catering Services. Small chops, Barbeque, Cocktail, Boli & fish sauce – Boobliss Events. Bouncers – B-Events & Protocol. Ushering & Protocol – Zodiac Events. Coca-Cola products – Amazing Grace. Chiller – Honynks Chilling Services (Madam Do-Good), D.J/Sounds – D.J Lakers, Decorator – Psquare Events. Their service delivery was top-notch and the corporation among them was out of this world.
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