The celebration of life for Rev. Mother Maria Ibilola Olatunbosun started with a service of songs on 16 November 2022 at St Michael Cathedral, Old Ife Road, Sawmill, Ibadan.
Prophet Oluwafemi Phillips said the opening prayer and the lesson was read by the daughter of the deceased, Prophetess Bisi Awomuti. This was followed by praise and worship by the St. Michael Cathedral Church Choir.
After this, three people prayed for the children and the family.
When it was time for tribute, the representatives of the Opekilede, Olatunbosun, and Adeyemi families said good things about Mama while Prophet Oluwafemi Phillips read her biography and Special Apostle Joseph Babatunde Olatunbosun delivered a sermon. The service of the song came to a close with a closing prayer said by Prophet Oluwafemi Phillips.
The following day, 17 November 2022, the corpse of Mama left Toks Mortuary at Sharp Corner, Oke Ado, Ibadan, for St Michael Cathedral at Sawmill, where the Church brigades paid their last respect to the deceased before the train moved to Ibokun in Osun State.
At the roundabout junction of the ancient town, the corpse was received by the family and taken around the city with dance and music from the church brigade and later to her residence, Ogo Oluwa Ebenezery Castle, for
lying in state.
At 5 p.m., the Christian wake service started at the same place. Apostle Oludele said the opening prayer, and the son of the deceased, Supt Apostle Dare Olatunbosun, read the Bible lesson.
When it was time for a tribute, families, children, and members of the Ibokun community were not left out, speaking on how Mama would be greatly missed.
Delivering a sermon, the preacher, Supt. Apostle Ayodele Talabi, charged those present at the wake keep to emulate the good character of Mama while alive and prayed for the internal rest of the dear mother.
It was followed by a thanksgiving service by the children and families, a vote of thanks by Mrs Rita Omolola Egbebu, and the closing prayer by Supt. Apostle Ayodele Talabi.
The following day, 18 November 2022, the final burial ceremony of Rev.Mother Maria Ibilola Olatunbosun kicked off at 10 a.m. at her residence, Ogo Oluwa Ebenezery Castle, Ibokun, in Osun State. Apostle Wale Amoo said the opening prayer, while Snr. Lady Evangelist Rita Omolola Egbebu and Tope Alade Awomuti read the first and second lessons, respectively.
Afterwards, three servants of God prayed for the children, families, and the entire national conference, followed by the choir’s special anthem, rendered by the St. Michael Cathedral choir. After Supt Apostle Ayodele Talabi delivered the sermon, the C & S brigades paid their last respects to Mama, followed by a thanksgiving service before Mama’s remains were laid to rest.
Dignitaries from all walks of life, including the influential members of society, the elite, and business stakeholders, attended the reception held at the Ibokun Town Hall. Music was supplied by the Manchester-based gospel singer Akin Manchy and anchored by Olasupo Idowu.
Rev. Mother Maria Ibilola Olatunbosun was born on 15th June 1932 to the family of Prince Atkinson Adeyemi (JP), from Ibokun land. Still, she had her earlier years in Lagos, where she had her elementary education.
She later moved to Ibokun where she trained as a fashion designer. Mama Agba, as she was called, could not go far in her education because of the constant movement of her father, who was making contracts on roads all over the country then. Mama married Rev. (Dr) Ebenezer Folorunsho Olatunbosun in the early 50s. She served as the first wife of the late Rev. Mama, who was a businesswoman at heart. Her business enthusiasm got her the name “Iya Agbeni”.
