•Details Of The 2-Day Event
Family and friends of the Obasa family in Lagos gathered on Wednesday, 4th May and Thursday, 5th May 2022 to celebrate the life and times of a woman who spent her all to serve God and humanity. It was the grand burial of the late Mama Felicia Ariyike Olufunmilayo Obasa who died at the age of 91.
The nonagenarian had touched the lives of her immediate children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the Lagos Island community where she spent most of her life.
City People’s Brands Editor, DAMILARE SALAMI (08155134152) and Photo Journalists Abdulrasheed Sanni and Sunday Oyemade were there to serve you some hot gists from the event. Enjoy.
IT WAS AN ALL-WHITE AFFAIR AT THE CHRISTIAN WAKE
At about 5:00 pm on Wednesday, the children of late Mama Obasa had gathered their friends and immediate and extended family for the service of songs. The event held at Our Saviours Church Hall, Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. It was an all-white affair as all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dressed in all-white attire. Tributes poured on Mama even in death as her sons-in-law spoke about how loving and caring she was.
BALOGUN OF IRULAND SPOKE GLOWINGLY ABOUT HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW
Chief Abayomi Daramola-Oniru is the Balogun of Iruland and the husband of Mama’s third child, Chief (Mrs) Funmi Daramola-Oniru. He spoke glowingly about his late mother-in-law. He noted the fact that Mama wasn’t a religious bigot who discriminates. He said he was afraid to approach Mama Obasa and inform her about his intention to marry her daughter because of their religious difference. Being a Muslim, he was taken aback when Mama didn’t raise an eyebrow about him marrying her daughter some 39 years ago. Today, the union is blessed and fruitful with beautiful children and grandchildren.
MEET MAMA OBASA’S CHILDREN
The late Mama Obasa was blessed with four beautiful children who have in turn given her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. First on the list is Chief (Sir) Gbenga Obasa, a popular Lagos socialite and businessman. The next is Mrs Funke Soetan. She is based in the US. She travelled down to Lagos with her husband and children for her mum’s final burial. Chief (Mrs) Funmi Daramola-Oniru is Mama’s third child and second daughter. She is married to the Oniru royal family in Lagos. Her husband, Chief Abayomi Daramola- Oniru is a former Chairman of Iru-Victoria Island LCDA. He is the current Balogun of Iru kingdom and the spokesperson of Oniru traditional council chiefs, Lagos. Dr. Segun Obasa is Mama’s last child. He is a scholar of high repute and he is based in the US. He is happily married with children too.
VAULTS & GARDEN HOSTS MAMA’S FUNERAL
There could have been no better befitting burial for Mama Obasa than is the children gave her. The funeral ceremony took place at the popular Vaults and Gardens on Lagos Island. It was strictly a family affair. Only family members were invited. It was a brief but highly memorable moment.
ONIRU’S STAFF OF OFFICE SPOTTED
It is a known fact that Obas in Yorubaland don’t attend funerals; however, their presence is always represented. This explained why the Oniru’s staff of office was spotted at Mama Obasa’s funeral. Being an in-law to the Obasas, HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal was duly represented at the funeral service.
TRINITY VOICES CHOIR DID WELL
The all-male choir popularly known as the Trinity Voices was in charge of proceedings at the funeral service. It was a superb performance and soul-lifting too. They gave succour to the mourning family and everyone left the funeral service cheered.
BMC FUNERAL HOMES WAS ON POINT
BMC Funeral Homes was in charge of the corpse. They did a good job in terms of taking care of Mama’s remains and giving her a befitting last respect. Mama’s remains rode in an expensive Chevrolet SUV from the morgue down to the venue of the lying-in-state and the church service. The undertakers were dressed in gold colour aso-ofi and they danced so well. Chief Mrs Daramola-Oniru and her sister, Mrs Funke Soetan were spotted spraying them some cash.
REV MUYIWA OGUNSANYA SERMONIZES
A short sermon was delivered by Rev. Muyiwa Ogunsanya. His message focused on the fact that there is hope for reuniting with brethren who slept in the Lord. He encouraged the family not to mourn as unbelievers because there is a hope that they would meet mama again in the afterlife. He praised Mama’s heart of worship. He regarded her as a lover of God and encouraged the family to emulate her in that manner.
TCC HOUSE, LAGOS ISLAND HOSTS RECEPTION PARTY
Fast forward to the reception party, it was a big carnival as everything needed to make the party huge was available. The popular TCC house on Lagos Island hosted the reception party. The hall was on the 5th floor, therefore, guests needed to use an elevator to get to the auditorium. This gave a lot of breathing space and sanity to the party. It is a norm that street urchins would harass guests and beg for money at parties but it was completely different at this event. They had no access to the auditorium and the security was water-tight.
ONIRU OF IRU, HRM OBA OMOGBOLAHAN LAWAL’S ROYAL ENTRY
It would be a surprise if the popular Lagos monarch, HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal was absent at the event. This is because he is also an in-law to the Obasas. Remember that Chief Daramola-Oniru married Mama Obasa’s 3rd child.
Oba Oniru’s entry to the event was grand. He made both fashion and cash statements at the event. Upon his entry, he received a standing ovation from all the guests present. His presence alone was a huge plus to the star-studded party.
CHIEF MRS FUNMI DARAMOLA-ONIRU’S FASHION STATEMENT
Everyone who knows Chief (Mrs) Funmi Daramola-Oniru very well would know that she’s a fashionista to the core. Her fashion statement came to the fore at the burial of her late mother. She stunned in two different outfits. The first was a shiny royal blue lace with navy blue ipele while her second outfit was black and gold HOH lace. Her accessories were costly. City People found out that she wore an 18-karat gold chain and necklace.
HON. PRINCESS RASHIDAT ABIODUN AND HER GANG
One of the most distinguished personalities at the event was the chairperson of Iru-Victoria Island LCDA. She is actually a sister-in-law to Chief (Mrs) Daramola-Oniru. She had a table to herself and all her friends in the political cycle and Lagos social scenes were present.
YORUBA TENNISCLUB PRESENT GIFTS TO THE ONIRUS
The members of the Yoruba Tennis Club were present at the event. Chief Abayomi Daramola-Oniru is a stakeholder at the club. It is a norm for them to present a gift to members who are holding special occasions such as this. The 21st president of the club presented a gift alongside other members present at the event.
OLU OF ORILE KEMTA CAME THROUGH
The Olu of Orile-Kemta in Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuoso was among the royal fathers that graced the event. He was adorned in white royal apparel and he came with his royal entourage. While Chief Daramola-Oniru and Chief (Mrs) Funmi Daramola-Oniru were on the dance floor, Oba Tejuoso was spotted showing them some love with cash spray.
LAGOS APC VICE-CHAIRMAN STOOD BY CHIEF DARAMOLA-ONIRU
The Vice-Chairman of the Lagos APC, Mr Tunde Aboyade was present at the event with other party stalwarts. They made a huge show of love to one of their own as he buried his mother-in-law. Also present at the event was Hon. Hakeem Bamgbala and Hon. Akeem Apatira amongs several others.
READ ALSO: APC CABAL PLOTS TO GET A NORTHERNER TO REPLACE BUHARI
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz
