Thursday, the 3rd of December, 2020, would forever remain indelible in the minds of Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, relatives, indigenes and residents of Oyo state.
It was the day last respects were paid to the Mother of Governor Seyi Makinde and matriarch of the Makinde’s dynasty, Madam Abigael Makinde, who died peacefully at the age of 81.
Young and old, male and female all clad in White and wine coloured attire thronged the rememberance arcade in Ibadan to pay their last respects to the Octogenarian described as a disciplinarian and good Christian.
The body earlier arrived to the residence of Governor Seyi Makinde whom cabinet members, politicians including the Governors of Edo and Bayelsa states, Godwin Obaseki and Duoye Diri joined, to pay their last respects.
Gridlocks were recorded in most parts of Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, as the commendation service coincided with that of Late Chief Obefemi Awolowo’s eldest daughter Reverend Mrs Omotola Oyediran, who died while preparing for her 80th birthday Celebrations.
While eulogizing his late Mother amidst relatives, top-government officials, clergy-men, clerics, cabinet members and High-chiefs in Ibadanland who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso, 1, Governor Seyi Makinde described his mother as a truthful woman and disciplinarian.
The Governor recalled how the mother got to Ibadan and faced motherhood alongside occupational duties, noting that Madam Abigael was his confidant as stated by his siblings including Barrister Muyiwa Makinde, Pastor Omololu and some others who earlier presented their tributes to their late Mother.
Barring his mind on the challenges bedevilling the Country, particularly the massacre of rice farmers in Borno state, the Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu, Ibadan, Venerable Dr Samuel Osungbeju, counselled all to devote their lives to God and humanity.
Attendants at the Programme included Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akerediku, Speaker of the Oyo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, former Governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, former Deputy-Governor of Oyo state, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, wife of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Lamidi Adedibu and many others.
Security operatives were stationed at the rememberance arcade to ensure law and order with serenades by Choristers, Gospel singer, Tope Alabi, Olumide Dada and saxophonist, BJ Sax.
