•As Senator IBIKUNLE AMOSUN Storms Burial
Father of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, was buried on Thursday, 09 September 2021 at the cemetery of the St James Anglican Church, Sewolu Street, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne local government area of the state. Pa Abiodun, a renowned teacher and community leader, died on Monday, August 2, 2021, at the age of 89.
The marathon burial rites began on Tuesday with a service of songs organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Remo Area/Ogun State and the Women Organisation, Iperu Anglican Churches, in Iperu-Remo.
It is a well-deserving burial ceremony, following how the Iperu community stood still for the great man who is the father of the current governor. City People Online Editor, SEUN JOSEPH was here live to give you blow by blow of the event from the burial to the reception.
ABOUT PA EMMANUEL ABIODUN’S PREMIUM CASKET
The body of baba was laid inside a Premium white finished steel casket with crucifix corner and swing handle. The casket according to our source is worth 10,000 dollars which is about N5.1million.
HOW ROYAL FATHERS PAID LAST RESPECT TO LATE PA EMMANUEL ABIODUN
While the casket was placed at the centre of the church for a final burial program, galaxy of royal fathers sent their staffs of office to the front and placed by the casket as a sign of respect and tribute. With the staff of office, the royal fathers offer their prayers for the departed soul and for God to grant baba an eternal rest.
THE BOUNDLESS
LOVE AMONG DAPO ABIODUN’S SIBLINGS
The love and unity that exists among baba’s children points to the fact that they are trained in the way of God. The governor and his siblings showed formidable cooperation among themselves as they jointly worked to ensure that baba’s exit will further strengthen the unity among them. The four children of baba rocked the same elegant brown Aso Oke at the burial.
EVENT PLANNED BY NEWTON AND DAVID
The venue, Christ Apostolic Grammar School was turned into a classy event centre with a gigantic and colourful marquee, the vendors took vantage positions whereby no guest will be left behind. The ushers were neatly dressed in their classy Ankara as they welcomed important guests. Newton and David did justice to the event.
THE CHOICE BAND SHOWS CLASS WITH GREAT PERFORMANCE
The choice band has always been dishing out the best performance from time. This time was no different. The brand rocked purple Adire, which stood them out on the stage. They kept the guests on their feet as they sang praises of the celebrant and his siblings.
ALL OGUN ROYAL FATHERS LED BY AKARIGBO
It was a galaxy of royal fathers as the Akarigbo of Remo came with almost all the royal fathers in Ogun State, including the Alaperu of Iperu, Olota of Otta, Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Akamo Olu-Itori, and many more
PASTOR ITUAH IGHODALO LEADS OPENING PRAYER
Charming pastor, Ituah Oghodalo stood out with his usual exceptional tuxedo. He was called out by Alibaba to lead the opening prayer for the reception.
NEW COUPLE, DEBOLA WILLIAMS AND KENNY D SHOW UP
The latest celebrity couple in town, Adebola Williams and his beautiful wife and daughter of Otunba Gbenga Daniel showed up looking all glammed up. The couple married a month ago at the Federal Palace’s Balmoral amidst glitz and glamour. The couple is spotted at the event as they exchange pleasantry with the host. Governor Dapo Abiodun.
LAGOS FIRST LADY, AND WIFE OF DEPUTY STEP OUT TOGETHER
They say birds of a feather flop together. This is the story of two career women whose husbands are currently the custodians of Lagos State polity; Mrs Ibijoke Sanwoolu and Mrs Oluremi Hamzat were seen together at the burial of Pa Emmanuel Abiodun’s burial as they honoured the Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was at the service of songs while his deputy, Femi Hamzat attended the burial.
LEGISLATORS GANG LED BY SENATOR SMART ADEYEMI
The event was also stormed by the legislative arms of the states and the national assembly, including the House of Representatives and the senate. Smark Adeyemi, Lekan Yayi, Opeyemi Bamidele Teslim Folarin, Shina Peller, Mudashiru Obasa, Bode Mustapha, Lekan Mustapha, Ogun Assembly members, Lagos Assembly members and many more.
OGUN DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND HUBBY STOOD BY THE GOVERNOR
Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the deputy governor of, Noimot Salako was with her husband, Chief Oyedele and the couple stood by the governor throughout the two-day event.
OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL, ALAO AKALA, YAYI, OTHERS STEP ON STAGE WITH THE OGUN GOVERNOR
It is no longer news that the former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel shares a special bond with Governor Dapo Abiodun. He has stood by him for many years, even before he became the Governor, and has not left him for a moment. He also defined the meaning of loyalty at the event. He will whisper to his ears on what to do and we will see the governor take instant action.
OGUN FIRST LADY, BAMIDELE ABIODUN STOOD BY HUSBAND
Mrs Bamidele Abiodun did not leave any stone unturned at the event, she was not seen sitting down for long. She would walk from one vendor to the other to ensure that all is in order. She was also seen going from table to table to acknowledge the presence of dignitaries. She played a key role in ensuring that all went well at the event. We give kudos to the first lady for her exceptional management style.
DAPO ABIODUN’S MUM AND WIDOW HONOURED
Wife of late Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, was shown love by all and sundry. She got all the hugs and love she deserves. Her children, family members and loved ones did not leave her side. The love she was shown was uncommon.
OGUN STATE EXCOS SERVE AS USHERS
The kind of support that the Ogun State Governor got during his father’s burial from the state executive shows the kind of leader that he has been. To the surprise of the governor, he saw his cabinet members serving as ushers and taking people to their seats. Some are seen attending to guests who need one thing or the other. He was humbled at the sight of the chief press secretary, SSG, and his team attending to guests. It was a humbling environment
AARE ONA KAKANFO IN HIS ALL-WHITE
The one and only Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams stormed the event with his entourage, rocking all-white agbada and nose mask to match. He walked in, in the middle of the event and ensured that he paid homage to the royal fathers and the host before he was ushered to hi seat with his chiefs.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO SHOWED UP
The strong man of Owu and the only 3 times President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria showed up early at the church for the burial service. He was welcomed by the Prince and governor himself, who played the host. Baba Obasanjo wore the Aso Ebi Ankara just like every other person and was fully kitted in his COVID-19 protective measure.
FEMI HAMZAT, ALAO AKALA, DIMEJI BANJOLE CAME EARLY
The first set of top shots who also showed early up at the burial was the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat, former speaker of the Lagos State Assembly, Dimeji Bankole and Oyo State Governor, Alao Akala. They took time to greet other eminent personalities who were at the event and humbly followed the ushers to their respective seats, waiting for the program to commence fully.
HELICOPTERS HOVER ACROSS IPERU LAND FOR PA EMMANUEL ABIODUN
Beyond the never-ending sirens that alerted of the many convoys of personality at every given moment, Helicopters hovered around the ancient Iperu town like never before, as powerful dignitaries who could not stand the Lagos Ibadan traffic paid heavily to board helicopters, and we can tell you for free that no fewer than 30 personalities showed up in Helicopters which include the special representatives from the Presidency.
ABOUT KING SUNNY ADE’S FUNKY OUTFIT
King Sunny Ade, despite joining the septuagenarian league, is not slowing down a bit. Aside from the fact that he still displays high energy on stage, his fashion statement is still very much on point. Beyond the anticipation of guests, the King of Juju music stormed the stage rocking a short sleeve French suit and hot male pants. As if that is not hot enough, KSA rocked a muffler across his neck and a cowboy hat to complement. His dance steps and voice has not depreciated. He has proven that he will remain at the front scene for the next ten years and more.
WHEN ALIKO DANGOTE ATTENDS PUBLIC EVENT
The richest African businessman, Aliko Dangote rarely attends social functions but he showed how close he is to Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun as he attended the two-day event in Ogun State, was at the funeral service and stood by the governor while at the reception to receive guests. He looked simple in his Aso Ebi and carefully weaved cap.
MAYORKUN ALSO PERFORMED
At the latter period of the event, DMW Prince, Mayorkun stormed the reception with his entourage and put up a stunning performance at the event. He prostrated to greet the King of Juju who was still performing and he did about 5 to 10 minutes performance while the younger generation in the hall cheered.
GOVERNORS WHO ATTENDED
The event witnessed a beehive of governors and ex-governors who graced the event, include Nasarawa governor, Abdulahi Sule, Jigawa Governor, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Other former governors include Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Aremu Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Oyo governor, Otunba Alao Akala and former Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
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