The quiet town of Igbaruku, in Yagba West, Kogi State, came alive on the 14th and 15th of August, 2025, when it played host to an unprecedented gathering of dignitaries, clergymen, and church members from across Nigeria. The occasion was the befitting farewell given to the late Mrs. Abosede Victoria Adebola (JP), mother of Pastor Daniel Folorunsho Adebola, the well-loved pastor of RCCG Victory Chapel, Magodo, Lagos.
What struck many was the sheer number of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) members who travelled all the way from Lagos to honour their pastor and his siblings. Close to 200 church members, including several senior pastors, stormed the ancient town for the burial rites — a testament to the high esteem in which Pastor Adebola and his wife, Mrs. Victoria Omotayo Adebola, are held within the church community.
A Woman of Virtue Remembered
The deceased, Mama Abosede, who passed on at the age of 81, was described as a virtuous woman who dedicated her life to serving God and nurturing her children in the way of the Lord. Her legacy was reflected in the grand farewell accorded her, which spanned two full days of activities that kept Igbaruku agog.
The ceremonies began on Thursday, August 14, with a Christian Wake Service at the Second ECWA Church, Igbaruku, where Mama worshiped until her death. The church auditorium overflowed as family, friends, associates, and well-wishers paid glowing tributes, sang hymns, and offered prayers.
The following morning, her remains were conveyed in a solemn motorcade from Odoere General Hospital. In a poignant moment, the coffin was lifted into a horse-drawn chariot that carried Mama Abosede back to Igbaruku. Her body was briefly laid in state at the Iletogun family compound before being moved to her residence, and finally to the ECWA church for the burial service and interment.
The service featured moving tributes, special choir renditions, and a powerful sermon that reminded all of Mama Abosede’s unwavering devotion to God. The atmosphere was electric with worship, tears, and gratitude for a life well spent.
Thanksgiving and Celebration
After the interment, the family hosted a Thanksgiving service at the First ECWA Church, Igbaruku Oke-Eri. The event was nothing short of a spiritual carnival — five choir groups ministered, while the Ayan Jesu band filled the air with soul-lifting gospel tunes.
The celebration continued at The Royal Place Events Centre along Odoere-Egbe road, where guests were treated to a lavish reception. Delicious meals, snacks, barbecue, and endless refreshments flowed, while the Ayan Jesu band serenaded guests on the dance floor.
Why So Many RCCG Members Turned Up
One of the most remarkable aspects of the burial was the massive RCCG presence. In an interview with Mrs. Adeola Odelola Elizabeth, an administrator at Victory Chapel, Magodo, a regional headquarters of the church, she revealed just how much Pastor Adebola and his wife mean to the congregation.
“Over 154 members officially registered to travel down to Kogi, apart from others who joined along the way,” she explained. “Magodo people are busy professionals, business people — they don’t just travel like that. But when it comes to Pastor Adebola and his wife, people will go anywhere. That is how much they are loved.”
Mrs. Elizabeth went further to describe the Adebolas as pastors who embody empathy and selflessness:
“They take people’s burdens as if they were their own. If you have a problem, they will be there for you, not just in words but in action. They’ve housed people, cared for them, even treated them as their own children. They are parents to many who are not their biological children.”
She also spoke about how much their leadership style influences the entire congregation:
“Pastor Adebola and his wife are not just leaders, they are family to us. Their warmth, their presence, their sacrifices — that is why people followed them all the way from Lagos to Igbaruku. It wasn’t just a burial; it was a statement of love and loyalty.”
For the people of Igbaruku, the event was a breath of fresh air. The influx of RCCG members, combined with the atmosphere of worship and thanksgiving, transformed the town into a place of celebration and blessing. As Mrs. Elizabeth put it:
“Even the city itself was blessed. The Bible assures us that wherever God’s people step is blessed. I believe Igbaruku will never forget this encounter.”
In the end, Mama Abosede’s burial was not just a family affair but a testimony of love, legacy, and community spirit. The Adebola family succeeded in giving their matriarch a befitting farewell while also showcasing the power of faith, fellowship, and loyalty within the RCCG family.
Indeed, as the dust settled and the guests returned to their homes, one thing remained clear — Pastor Adebola and his wife are truly cherished, and their mother’s memory will live on through the impact of her children.
-Jamiu Abubakar
(08085185886)
