The interdenominational service, organised jointly by the Opawole, Osoba and Daniel families, took place at the Skyview Pavilion Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, as loved ones celebrated the life and legacy of the respected matriarch, who was born on April 23, 1933, and passed away on July 2, 2026.
The event attracted several dignitaries from across the country, including the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, former deputy governor in Ogun State Alhaja Salmat Badru, the member representing Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency, Hon. Olumide Osoba, PDP chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, Barrister (Dr.) Gbenga Adeoye President of the Egba Economic Summit, alongside other eminent personalities who came to sympathise with the bereaved family.
In an emotional tribute, the daughter of the deceased and former Ogun State First Lady, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, thanked God for the fulfilled life her mother lived, describing her as her greatest teacher, confidant and source of strength.
“My mother lived for 93 years, and I give all the glory to God that she died in sound mind and went peacefully. Anything that happened 50 years ago, she could still recall it until her last day. My mother was my greatest teacher, my friend, my confidant and my greatest admirer. If I dressed beautifully, she would be the first to appreciate me, and if I didn’t put everything together correctly, she would also be the first to correct me.”
Mrs. Daniel further described her late mother as a strict disciplinarian whose values and principles shaped her life and prepared her for the responsibilities of marriage and public service.
“My mother was a very strict person, a disciplinarian to the core. I pray and wish that mothers of this generation will emulate the values of our mothers and grandmothers who trained us with discipline and love. What my mother did in raising me is helping me today. Being married to a great man is not easy, but because of the training my mother gave me, I was able to navigate that journey.”
Speaking during the service, the Head of the Opawole Family, Chief Debo Omotosho, described the late Princess Opawole as a woman whose life reflected kindness, humility and exceptional character.
He said her beauty extended beyond physical appearance, emphasizing that she was admired for her compassion and the warmth she extended to everyone around her.
“When you want to know the meaning of beauty, you have to know this woman. She was loving, caring and friendly. She was a person of good character and the wife of my late brother. She loved everyone around her and was soft-hearted. Her life was a shining example of humility and genuine love for humanity,” Omotosho said.
Also paying tribute, a representative of one of the society to which the deceased belonged, Mr. Segun Oyeneye, recalled Princess Opawole as a generous and accommodating woman whose guidance positively impacted many lives.
He noted that her wise counsel and unwavering Christian faith would remain unforgettable.
“Our mother made everyone feel comfortable and was very accommodating. We will miss her guidance and wise counsel. She was a devoted Christian, and we appreciate every dignitary and well-wisher who came to commiserate with us on the passing of our beloved mother,” Oyeneye said.
In his sermon, pastor Rev .Tutu Olatunbosun, lead pastor ibara Baptist church Abeokuta urged the attendees to follow the path laid down by Jesus Christ if they must live forever, saying that, those who are in Christ, even though they die in the physically, they will live again in the resurrection.
The clergyman who preached from Philippians Chapter 1 vs 21, said it is certain that the late Opawole is resting with God in eternity because she live all her lives in Christ.
Throughout the service, hymns, prayers and heartfelt tributes echoed through the venue as family members and friends reflected on the remarkable life of the deceased.
