for parents to give their children sound education, so that when they grow old, the children would not only be independent, but also look after their aged parents.
There are many cases showing that it is better to raise a child properly than building mansions. This saying applies to Chief Mrs. Jadesola Oluwawemimo Ibidapo JP who was given a massive funeral by her successful children, on Thursday, October 13, 2022. The funeral rite of the late Chief Mrs. Jadesola Ibidapo which took place at the Harbour Point Hall, Victoria Island, attracted dignitaries from every sphere of the society and it appeared as though a head of state was getting a last national memorial.
The Harbour Point Hall in Victoria Island, Lagos, which is situated on a one-acre landmass, became a convergent point for dignitaries and those who matter in Lagos State. The late matriarch’s children who are successful and influential individuals received massive respect, honour and consolations from friends and colleagues who came en mass to celebrate the passing and final laying to rest of Mama Jadesola.
Men and women of substance who gathered to commiserate with the family of Professor Mrs. Ibiyemi Ibidapo Tunji-Bello attracted media and newsmen to the event. The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in company of many outstanding women, commissioners, traditional rulers, business chief executives and distinguished academia, did not only grace the occasion, but stayed with Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello and other children till the end of the programme.
Also, Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Tunji Bello, stood by his wife all through the event, supporting and caring for her during the event. Professor Ibiyemi Ibidapo Tunji-Bello, who is the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, earned the honour and respect of her counterpart, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who attended the special funeral service for late Mama Jadesola.
Before the reception, there was a church service in honour of the late matriarch at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, that morning. The church service was a prayer and praise-worship galore for the family and friends of the bereaved.
During the service, choristers of the church, all clad in blue robes, sang solemn renditions of popular gospel songs and hymns to the pleasure of the guests. Children and grandchildren of late Mama Jadesola Oluwawemimo Ibidapo, sang along with the choristers as they celebrate the life of their matriarch. All dressed in beautiful rich blue traditional attires, the family of the late matriarch took their seat at the front row of the pews while the priests conducted the church service.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Tunji Bello, and his sons sat beside his delectable wife, Professor Ibiyemi Ibidapo Tunji-Bello. He was richly dressed in regale emerald green agbada aso-oke attire and sang along the choristers. During the sermon, the officiating priest who knows the late matriarch so well, urged the congregation to emulate her godly qualities. He described Mama Jadesola as a woman who loved God and served in the congregation in spite her successful life.
The church service was followed by a moment of procession from the church venue to the burial site, as the immediate family members marched graciously to the deceased final resting place. Pall bearers dressed in Aso-Oke, carried the casket in animated way while a live band played tune of indigenous songs. Children of the late matriarch dressed in colourful native attires trailed the group gently, spraying crisp naira notes on the casket of their beloved mother. Sympathizers, colleagues and friends of the bereaved followed closely in the procession to show mama their last respect.
The burial ground scene was touching and amazing at the same time. The late Chief Jadesola is one of the few Nigerians who enjoyed the modern burial system. Her children spared nothing to ensure that she was laid to rest with the best burial system used in advanced societies. They planned for the modern burial system, which comprises of underground interlocking precast concrete crypts, as a patented lid lifted over the crypt and lowered the casket slowly down. The family watched in pensive mood as mama’s casket was being slowly lowered down the crypt.
The laying to rest of Mama Jadesola was followed by a warm reception at the Harbour Point Hall at Victoria Island, Lagos where friends and colleagues patiently waited for the church service. The reception took place in two large ballrooms set for two categories of guests. The first hall hosts immediate and extended family members of the bereaved while the second hall housed colleagues, friends and corporate groups who came to honour the event.
While the Faith Music band played melodious tunes to the delight of the audience, family members and well-wishers of the bereaved enjoyed the atmosphere of love and comfort. Dignitaries and notable officials in Lagos State joined Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello at the reception. There was adequate food, snacks, wine and deserts served around. Popular Lagos monarchs graced the reception at the Habour Point Hall. Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo (JP), The Alara of Ilara-Epe; HRM Oba Galin Adeniyi Rufai, the Olojo of Ojo Kingdom; HRM Oba (Dr.) Abraham Olatunji Ogabi, the Ajagun of Imeke Kingdom; HRM Oba (Engr.) Dr. AbdulFatai Aremu Aromire, Oba of Ijora-Iganmu Kingdom; HRM Oba (Dr.) Oba Josiah Olanrewaju Aina, the Oloto of Oto-Awiri; HRM Oba Abidemi Ogunjobi, the Alakesan of Akesan Kingdom and Olori Janet Olayemi Ogabi were among the royal fathers and queens who graced the occasion.
Top ranking officials of the Lagos State University who graced the occasion include Dr. Mrs. Animashaun Aminat; Dr. Animashaun Maruf S.; Dr. Mrs. Idebaneria B. Lucy; General Cecil Esekhaigbe, Sonolle F. Olateju; Dr. Tijani Olohunwa; Engr. Afolabi Edris; Mr. Kayode Komolafe; Mrs. Funmi Komolafe; Mr. Bolaji Sanusi; Mr. Waheed Okunu, Sam Omatseye, Chief Monzor Olowosago, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Engr. Olawunmi Gasper and many others showed their support at the event.
Socialites Including Mr. Yomi Peters, brother of music icon Sir Shina Peters; Prince Adeshina Olowofela; Chief Jamiu Alade Ekerin, the Akinrogun of Ikeja and the Ekerin of Owu-Abeokuta; Mr. Staycool Okor; Dr. Teni also joined the family of Professor Ibiyemi at the reception. Schoolmates of the Professor Ibiyemi Ibidapo Tunji-Bello in her 82-87 set also made special appearance as they identified with the LASU Vice Chancellor at her mother’s funeral reception.
Journalists and curious newsmen besieged Professor Ibiyemi Ibidapo Tunji-Bello as soon as they had the chance, asking her questions about her late mother, Chief Mrs. Jadesola Oluwawemimo Ibidapo. The delectable LASU Vice Chancellor in her calm disposition and soft voice, explained the personality of her late mother, “I love my mom so much and I must say that I am going to miss her food and care. She was really a religious woman who gave us valuable life tutorship on being a good Christian. My mom would always remind us that in whatever situation we find ourselves, we shouldn’t engage in evil practices.”
The academician and university chief executive fondly remembers her late mother’s counsel to her children and how these have helped guided her and her siblings in life. “Though, she was strict and a respected disciplinarian, my mother allowed us explore our chosen carrier at a tender age. She encouraged our carrier progression and was there for us.” Professor Ibiyemi described her late mother as a woman who has the fear of God and served God in her own capacity. She narrated how her mother would use her pocket money from her children to buy clothing items for church members whom she perceived to be in need.
“Whenever we send her pocket money for her upkeep, man would share it to the needy. She taught us to care about people around us regardless of where they are from. She strongly believe in the institution of marriage and advised her children to build a lasting marriage for the sake of raising good children.”
She eulogised her late mother who as a lover of peace and someone who discouraged acts of violence in marriage. “I will really miss her, she was such a lovely woman and a caring mother.”