By Seyifunmi Odunuga
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.T
The opening prayer was said by Prophet Oluwafemi Phillips and the lesson was read by the daughter of the deceased, Prophetess Bisi Awomuti followed by praise and worship by St. Micheal Cathedral Church Choir.
After this, three people prayed for the children and the family.
When it was time for tribute, the representatives of Opekilede, Olatunbosun, and Adeyemi families, said good things about Mama while her biography was read by Prophet Oluwafemi Phillips and sermon delivered by Special Apostle Joseph Babatunde Olatunbosun and 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 Morgue 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 roundaboutjunction of the ancient town, the corpse was received by the family in and taken round the city with dance and music from the church brigade and later to her residence, Ogo Oluwa Ebenezery Castle for
lying in state.
When it was 5pm the Christian wake keep started at the same place with an opening prayer said by Apostle Oludele while the bible lesson was read by the son of the deceased, Supt Apostle Dare Olatunbosun.
When it was time for tribute, families, children and people of 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 while the vote of thanks was said 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 kick started at 10am at her residence, Ogo Oluwa Ebenezery Castle, Ibokun in Osun State. Apostle Wale Amoo said the opening prayer while the first and second lessons were read by Snr. Lady Evangelist, Rita Omolola Egbebu and Tope Alade Awomuti respectfully.
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 the sermon was delivered by Supt Apostle Ayodele Talabi, the C & S brigades gave the last respect to Mama followed by a thanksgiving service before Mama’s remains were laid to rest.
At the reception held at the Ibokun Town Hall, dignitaries from all walks of life that include heavy and mighty in the society, creme de la creme and business stake holders were present. 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 Akinson Adeyemi (JP), from Ibokun land but 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 doing contracts on roads all over the country then. Mama got married to Rev. (Dr) Ebenezer Folorunsho Olatunbosun in the early 50s. She was the first wife of the late Rev. Mama was a businesswoman to the core, her business enthusiasms got her the name ” Iya Agbeni”.
The event was covered by Apreel1 Events TV.
