•As Their Matriach, Mama J. E. KEHINDE Goes Home At 93
•TINUBU, Gov. ABIODUN, OGD & Omisore Send Messages
• BRF, Keyamo, ADRON Boss, ABIRU Also Send Messages
Pres. Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the passing on to greater glory of Madam Joanna Ebun Kehinde, a retired Ogun State Civil Servant, who is the mother of Dupe Coker, Engr. Segun Kehinde and Seye Kehinde, the City People Magazine Publisher.
The condolence message was issued a few days back by Femi Adesina, the President’s spokesman, noting that though Mama lived to the very ripe age of 93, “we don’t usually want mothers to go, no matter how old they are.” “They are jewels and treasures that we wish to have around if possile forever”.
President Buhari lauded the good quality life lived by the matriach, an accomplished civil servant, who retired 30 years ago. He urged the younger generation to learn a lot from the life and times of the late social worker, devout Christian, mother and disciplinarian, who has left her footprints on the sands of time, with the focus of her social work being Women and Children.
The President urged the Kehinde family to strive to keep the good works and memory of their late mother alive and evergreen for all times.
Over the last few weeks, a lot of tributes have poured in for the Kehinde and Jaiyesimi families over the loss of their matriach, Mama Joanna Ebun Kehinde, a retired Ogun State Civil Servant, who was buried last week in Isara-remo. She was nee Jaiyesimi.
The APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu also wrote a one-page condolence letter, praying that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. “Recall that I attended your dad’s burial in Isara Remo 29 years ago. The huge turn-out and encomium poured on him then showed how many held your family in high-esteem”.
“No one can replace a mum and I can only imagine the depth of your grief on the loss of someone so important and special in your life, irrespective of her age,” he wrote.
Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister For Works & Housing in a one-page condolence letter, dated 1st December, 2022, wrote, “Your Mum, without a doubt, lived a dynamic and impactful life in the service of her Lord and humanity with you as one of her best accomplshments.”
Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, also wrote a one-page condolence letter. The Governor, who is from Iperu-Remo, a stone’s throw from Isara Remo, where the deceased hails from, wrote, “This is a glorious home call of an exemplary mother. Mama must have felt pleased at the time of her departure, having seen her progeny do well in life and living by the legacy of hardwork, selflessness and integrity she has bequeathed. Her son, Seye Kehinde is a worthy ambassador of the family and a perfect example of the various legacies she left behind.”
Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (FCA) who represents Lagos East Senatorial District sent a one- page condolence letter to the family. He extolled her virtues as a top civil servant in Ogun State before she retired. He thanked God that she is survived by accomplished children who are blazing trails in their various endeavours, amongst whom is Seye Kehinde, a successful Journalist and Publisher of City People Magazine.
Former Ogun Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (FCA) who now represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, wrote in his condolence letter: “As much as the pain of losing a loved one, irrespective of age, never goes away completely, I enjoin you not to mourn, but rather to thank the Almighty God for Mama’s impactful life and the enduring legacies she left behind”.
Former Ogun Governor, (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel sent in his Tribute. “Mama lived a good life and she left a great and indellible legacy,” he wrote.
Pastor Femi Faseru, the National Superintendent, KICC Nigeria urged the family to stay strong.
Rt. Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, the Deputy Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly & APC candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District described Mama as a wonderful woman.
Senator (Dr.) Iyiola Omisore described Mama as a phenomenally great woman. Omisore is the current National Secretary of the APC.
In his condolence message to the Kehinde family, Festus Keyamo, the Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment, said Mama lived a fruitful life and left a vacuum in the hearts of so many that is irreplaceable”.
Evangelist (Prof) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR) who played at the burial also wrote to commiserate with the Kehinde family. He revealed that, “while Mama’s death is painful to all of us, our hearts must be filled with gratitude to God Almighty that Madam Joanna Ebun Kehinde (nee Jaiyesimi) lived a highly-fulfilled life of service not only to her immediate family but to the church of God, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, her community at Isara Remo, Ogun State Civil Service as a retired Civil Servant, the nation Nigeria, as a whole and to humanity generally.”
Queen of Gospel Music, Tope Alabi also wrote a tribute stating that Mama lived a most decent and Godly life.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, the Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited also wrote a one- page letter on behalf of the Board, Management & Staff of Odu’a Investment Company Limited. According to him ,“Mama was a disciplinarian who raised her children in a Godly way and was a source of strength to those who came in contact with her in her lifetime”.
Chief Lekan Alabi, the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland wrote in his condolence letter how he met late Mrs. Kehinde in November 1997, when City People Magazine was launched at her Felele home in Ibadan then.
Akogun Tola Adeniyi, the Araba Remo & Jagun Oodua Adimula II of Yorubaland, described Mama as an Abiyamo tooto.
“Mama was a mother every child would be proud of”, he said.
Traditional rulers were not left out. The Odemo of Isara Remo, Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe wrote a royal tribute. “Mama had a heart and cared completely… A light from the Isara community is gone”…
Oba Dr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom (Epe Division), Lagos State, wrote that no matter how old Mama could have gotten, nothing can qualify the pain of losing one’s mother”.
The Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude wrote that Mama has now become an Angel, watching over her children.
The Gbegande of Ososa wrote that despite how strong the bond between Mama and her children is, God loves her more. Adron Homes GMD, Aare Adetola Olaniyi Olaonipekun Emanuelking wrote a beautifully worded letter of Condolence. He said the passion unto glory of Mama has left a vacuum in her immediate and entire Kehinde family. I recall how affectionately you often speak about Mama.
All these tributes attest to the fact that Mama lived a good life. That was the conclusion of many when the news of the passing away of Mama Joanna Ebun Kehinde (nee Jaiyesimi) broke a few weeks back. She was 93 by the time she breathed her last. She died peacefully. She was a strong woman in her lifetime. And a great woman of wisdom.
Mama’s funeral rites took place last week.
The Service of Songs and Christian Wake-Keep was held on Thursday, 8th December, 2022.
Funeral Service was held on Friday, 9th December, 2022 at the Methodist Church, Oke Oja in Isara Remo, Ogun State.
Reception followed at VEO Event Centre, KM 35, Isara-Ago Iwoye Road, Isara Remo, Ogun State.
