The demise of Olori Kehinde Idowu popularly known as Olori Agba, the beautiful wife of HRM Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu, has no doubt affected the king in many ways. That the highly revered king in Ijebuland would miss his darling wife of over 40 years is an understatement because she has always been paths of him since their part crossed. Those who are conversant with the Alaperu’s palace can testify to the level of relationship and love exhibited between them as they complemented each other in many ways.
Few days ago, the remains of the late Olori Agba who transited to glory at 61 years 2 months ago was buried. The burial ceremony continues to remain talk of town in Iperu kingdom. The ceremony saw top dignitaries turn-up to pay their last respects in honour of the deceased and her relatives.
The burial ceremony was eventful and colourful. It was a 3 day ceremony all for the late Olori. The first 2 days saw the Service of Songs and the Christian Wake Service held respectively at the Alaperu’s Palace Ground. The third day was for the funeral service which also included thanksgiving service held in her honour on Saturday 23rd September, 2023 at the St. James Anglican Church, Iperu, Ogun State after which a reception party was held at the palace.
The burial service saw the church almost full to the brim. It was attended by the crème de la crème of the society. They all came around to honour the departed for the last time before she was finally buried. Notable among the top government functionaries who graced the service are the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his entourage made up of his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; the SSG to the Ogun State government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; and the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Mr. Olusegun Ogunleye among others.
The governor during his speech extolled the many enviable qualities of the deceased when he referred to her as someone bold, lovely, and supportive. He added by saluting her boiling passion to help those around her. Meanwhile he expressed his condolences to Alaperu whom he referred to as his king on the passing away of his beloved wife. He went on to say she would be sorely missed by her immediate family, the entire town of Iperu and Ogun State in general.
Following the burial service at the church, the remains of the late Olori journeyed home as the casket bearers from Broadway Funeral took charge of her corpse to ensure she had a glamorous and smooth ride to her final resting place. Meanwhile her lovely children and close relatives witnessed her interment as they bid her farewell.
The palace was indeed a beehive of activities as guests trooped in to be part of the occasion. The Alaperu was busy receiving numerous fellow kings from Ijebuland and other dignitaries from home and abroad. Some of them came to commiserate with the king while a large pool of others graced the event in order to rejoice with the children of the deceased for having a mother who has not only come to the world and see but also conquered. Many of them relished her virtues which now remain legacy for them to follow.
In his special and heartfelt tribute Kabiesi made reference to how their love life began over 40 years ago and how it has grown over the years up till the time of her demise. He as well pointed out the special qualities which made her a rare gem and how she impacted the lives of people around her. The tribute reads:
“My Dear Wife, Kenny, just like yesterday, I remember the moment our paths crossed on that fateful day in December, 1980. Over 40 years after, it has been an eventful journey of twists and turns. We started and grew together through the vicissitude of life.
“You were an epitome of love, care and affection. You exhibited unalloyed commitment to our marriage from the first day till the moment you exited this world. You were the true meaning of selflessness and devotion. You never hesitated to say your mind irrespective of whose ox is gored.
“Your children would have noted in these memorabilia how loving and caring you were to them because you really did embody every single trait of motherhood. Beyond your biological children, you were a pillar of support to many others, far and near. A lot of people owe their journey to your kindness and generosity.
“You lived a life of impact and because we cannot question God, we believe he has a good reason for calling you to high heavens at this time. We will miss you, my dear wife… till we meet again.
ABOUT THE DECEASED
A peep into the records revealed a lot about the deceased. It says that the beautiful late Olori Kehinde Idowu Basibo-Odoru (Nee Oyenuga-Raimi) also known as Olori Agba was born at Island Maternity, Lagos on the 23rd of April, 1962 to the family of Alhaji Oyenuga Raimi and Alhaja Amope Raimi who hailed from Okun-Owa in Ijebu. She attended Yaba Model Primary School, Surulere from 1968 to 1973 after which she proceeded to Multilateral Grammar School, Okun-Owa. There she excelled academically and furthered her education pursuit at Yaba College of Technology where she had a brief course in Business Administration. She joined the Nigerian Port Authority, Tincan Island Port, Apapa as a Tariff Officer in 1979. That was where she met her husband who is now the Alaperu of Iperu Kingdom. While in service, she distinguished herself in her role till she resigned to focus on family and business. “Olori Kenny” just as she was fondly called, was noted for her extreme generosity, warmth and humility. The affectionate, caring and ever-forgiving Olori was overly committed to her marriage and her children. She was an avid reader of both print and online media. She was always ready to discuss and share her ideas on trending topics of national interest. She got married to Kabiesi on March 30th, 1985 and their union was blessed with 4 children. And their children have succeeded in bringing forth many grandchildren. Olori Kehinde in last years on earth touched many lives positively. She sponsored many children of the indigents to schools and enrolled many others to learn proper trading. “Olori Agba” will be greatly missed by the community. She was indeed a special breed.
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