•As They Bury Their Matriach, Madam JOANNA EBUN KEHINDE
When the news broke last week, in Isara-Remo, that Chief Commander, Ebenezer Obey’s band was the band to play at the burial of Madam Joanna Ebun Kehinde, the matriach of the Kehinde and Jaiyesimi families, it created a buzz. The general feeling was that it was only his band members that will show up and entertain guests at the burial reception.
But when the huge truck of the Ebenezer Obey Organisation drove into Veo Resort & Event Centre in Isara, remo on Wednesday afternoon, word went round the sleepy town that everyone was in for a big surprise,
But many still felt it was only his band that will thrill the close to 3,000 guests that were to attend. This is because the living legend, has a formidable band that can perform with, or, without the founder, Baba Obey. Even the children of the deceased still felt all the band was going to do was provide light music to celebrate Mama.
It was not until about 3pm on Friday, December 9th, 2022, when a sparkling black Toyota Jeep rolled into the well-laid out open field where the party was to take place that many began to wonder who was in it.
Lo and behold, it was Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey in an all-blue designer outfit with a branded cap with OBEY etched on it. It was a big surprise! The whole event immediately became ecstatic, as many dignitaries, which included the Araba of Osogboland, High Priest Ifayemi Elebuibon came to greet Commander Ebenezer Obey on stage.
Once Ebenezer Obey settled down, he began to play and he kept dishing out old school tunes. Again, many had thought Baba would play for just an hour, but he played for 4 hours, non-stop! He was at his superlative best!
Many dignitaries travelled far and wide to be at the party. The Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu Basibo, looked dashing in his richly embroidered Agbada. Mr. Blackie Amodu, and his wife, Ace broadcaster, Giwa Deji Osibogun, looked trendy. Ibadan designer, Alhaji Bashy Kuti was there too, looking splendid.
Many do not know that he is one of Mama’s adopted sons.
Popular politician, Hon. Olawale Okunniyi came in from Ago-Iwoye. Blacky also came with his friend.
The open field had about 6 huge tents to take care of all the guests of Mama’s children, namely: Dupe, Segun and Seye.
It was a colourful event anchored by ace broadcaster, Ifankalleluyah. There was so much to eat and drink throughout the 6-hour after-burial party.
Prior to the party, the rites of passage for Mama began on Thursday, 8th December, 2022 within the compound of The Methodist Church (Isara Circuit), Oke-Oja Local Church, Isara where the Presbyter, The Very Rev. Adesina Joshua Adesina led other men of God, like Rev. Yemi Ogunmona, The Rev. O. A. Onabade, The Rev. Dr. Simi Banwo, and Senior Steward, Sis Bose Asiru. The Administrator/Presbyter of Methodist Church Opebi Circuit, Very Rev. Oladapo Emmanuel Daramola gave the sermon. It was a very deep and beautiful sermon, extolling the virtues of the deceased.
All the officiating ministers also extolled the virtues of Mama who was described as a committed christian. In her life time, she was a humble woman. Also, 7 family members and friends came out one after the other to talk about Mama whom they all described as a virtuous woman.
The well-attended Service of Songs was followed the next day with the Lying-in-state at Mama’s home in Isara-Remo, after which her body was taken to church for the Funeral Service.
The church was filled to the brim with eminent personalities in attendance.
Guests included literary giant, Prof. Adebayo Williams, Chief (Mrs.) Olufunke Akanke Wilde (former Principal of R.S.S.), Otunba Wole Ogunbanjo, Mr. Blackie Amodu, the Old Boys of GCI Ibadan, the Old Girls of St. Louis School, Mokola, Ibadan and the Old Students of R.S.S.
After the service, Interment followed at her Ayegbami home, after which proceedings continued at Veo Resort & Event Centre at KM 36, Isara-Ago-Iwoye Road, Isara-Remo, Ogun State.
Mama was survived by her younger sister, Olori Folabo Oshokoya, the pretty wife of Otunba Babatunde Oshokoya, the former Ogun SSG. All the extended family members, uncles and aunties all stormed Isara-remo for the burial.
May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Amen.
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