•Details Of The Classy Burial Ceremony
It was a time for sober reflection of life and what life stands for as family, friends and associates of late Justice Dolapo Akinsanya trooped in to witness the Lying-in-State and Burial Service of the retired Justice of the Lagos High Court as a way of paying their last respect to the departed soul of the icon.
Justice Akinsanya who died in Lagos on Thursday November 5, 2020 in Lagos at aged 79 is set to be committed to mother earth on Thursday 10th December, 2020 after her lying in state and burial service at the Chapel of the Healing Cross in Idi-Araba, Surulere Lagos.
AT THE CHURCH SERVICE
The service was conducted under strict observance of the COVID-19 protocols of the government. Hand sanitizers were made available at the entrance of the chapel. While it was ensured that the congregation used the face mark appropriately, the adherence to distance rule of about two metres was clearly observed in both standing and sitting position of the people. As at 8am, the Lying in State of the deceased was in progress as family, friends and associates were duly paying their last respect to their beloved iconic. At about few minutes to 9am, the church premises had received eminent personalities among the guests who were approaching the church auditorium for the burial service. The staff of the eminent Oba Ago-Iwoye was seen indicating the presence of the highly celebrated monarch. On the dot of 9am, the body of Justice Akinsanya was received by the clergy of the church. A procession of officiating ministers, and families of the late Justice was led by the Chief Resident Minister of the Chapel, Very Reverend Albert Olorunmade. Marking the commencement of the burial service, a soul touching and mind inspiring sentences was recited by a procession of the officiating ministers, biblical verses from Revelation 7:9-17 were reflected upon, sermon was given and the choirs did justice to the hymns sung. The atmosphere at the church service was filled with angelic calmness and the congregation could feel it. The service ended with a withdrawal hymn sung by the choirs in a procession followed by the officiating ministers, eminent clergies present as guests, family members and friends of the deceased as her body was taken out of the church, heading to her resident in Apeka Estate, Ikorodu for interment.
WHAT THE PREACHER SAID
In his sermon titled “After now, what will happen to you?”, the Chief Resident Minister of the Chapel, Very Reverend Albert Olorunmade extolled the personality of Justice Dolapo Akinsanya as a devoted Christian who lived a life of service to humanity. While speaking extensively on the roles she played in the church, he saluted her sense of modesty and humility. He said “Despite, her noble background, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya never used her position to oppress people, indeed she added value to lives of those around her.”
The Reverend by extension called of the leaders and the wealthy in the country on assisting the poor and less privileged around them. He said by doing this, the society would enjoy the peace which is already eroding the land. He cited the recent endSARS crisis which its aftermath is still biting hard on the country’s economy. He however charged the congregation to live a life worthy of the Lord as exemplified by the late justice and in accordance with the character of Jesus Christ. This he said is a way of securing eternal home in heaven, a place everyone craves all crave for. Meanwhile, he concluded the sermon by asking the congregation, “Are you really living to earn the treasures in heaven?”
VERY REVEREND ALBERT OLORUNMADE LED THE PRAYER
At the burial service, the officiating minister, Very Reverend Albert Olorunmade prayed for the deceased soul. He also prayed that the Lord would uphold the family of the deceased and make them stronger in the worship of the Lord, her family and those that attended the service. The body of the late justice was conveyed to Ikorodu for interment, which is regarded as her final journey home.
MEET THE OFFICIATING MINISTER
Chief Resident Minister – Very Revd. Albert O. Olorunmade. Resident Ministers – Very Revd. ThankGod Ogunwo, Revd. Canon Deji Awe, Revd. & Arc. Ajibade Adeyemo, Revd. K.C. Akobundu, Director of Chapel Music- Mr. Deinde Nelson-Cole. Asst. DCM/Organist – Mr. Emeka Agu. Asst. Organist – Mr. Matthew Agba.
BEFORE THE REMAIN OF THE DECEASED DEPARTED FOR INTERMENT
It was indeed a colour event outside the church auditorium. Family, friends and associates of the deceased though in a sober mood were all dressed using turquiose blue head gears and caps getting set for Ikorodu were the remain of legendary Justice Dolapo Akinsanya would be laid to final rest. The undertakers from the popular LJT Burial International stole the show and change the atmosphere with the merriment dance show with the coffin which symbolised a call for celebration for a life well spent. Indeed, Justice Akinsanya came, she saw and was able to conquer. May her soul rest in perfect peace!
AT THE INTERMENT
The sound of drums and trumpet from LTJ Funeral’s undertakers, and the convoy with ambulance serene announced the arrival of the family that went for the burial service when remains of Hon. Justice Dolapo Funlola Akinsanya was brought to her residence, at 22, Dr. Bolaji Akinsanya Crescent Apeka Estate (Along Ikorodu High School Road) off Sagamu Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, by the officiating ministers for her final rest. After the necessary parading by the undertakers, the service at the interment started and the deceased was buried beside her late husband, Otunba (Prof) Bolaji Akinsanya, Otunbafaderera of Emuren who died on 20th Sept, 2017 and buried 27 October, 2017.
AND THE RECEPTION COMMENCED
The entertainment of guests follows immediately after late Hon. Justice Dolapo Funlola Akinsanya was laid to rest in the same compound, where agiant canopy was erected. Many guests who couldn’t make it to the church service because of proximity were sighted and already seated; gorgeously dressed in the Aso-Ebi Ankara chosen for that event.
EAGLE BAND ON THE BANDSTAND
One of the waves making juju bands, Eagle Band was one the bandstand. And they sure know how to make guests dance to their tune with their melodious songs. Eagle Band is a brand of Eagle Entertainment. They are professional, dedicated to adding color to events, delivering the highest quality music, guaranteed to entertain guests. The band played different genre of music including African Juju music, highlife music, Hip-Pop, R&B, dance hall and blues (way back to the 60s) and certainly made many people’s day.
2 MCS ANCHORED THE EVENT
The work of Mc at every classic event such as this cannot be downplayed. Hence the need to get the best. Mc Infinity from Radio Lagos and Mc Adiitu from Bond Fm were the official MCs for the day and trust me they did their best in conducting the program. Many guests testified to their sense of humor and delivery.
OMF USHERS WERE ON POINT
One of the best event’s ushers, making statements and events memorable with hospitable services is OMF USHERS. They sure know how to treat every guest as Kings and Queens. They are beautiful. Gorgeously dressed in purple, they were at every guest’s service at this event. All you need to do is to beckon on them and within a twinkle of an eye, you have what you request for.
FRIENDLY FOOD, ICE CODE AND SEAN B FOOD DID THEIR BEST
Friendly food caters for all the foods. Over 20 different dishes were made available. There foods were superb. Ice code, as their name implies made sure everybody was well served with assorted cold drinks. While Sean B food took care of the barbeque.
TUNJI ONABAMIRO, FUNMI ONABAMIRO AND IYALOJA OF TINUBU MARKET PLAYED HOST
Undoubtedly, Hon. Justice Dolapo Funlola Akinsanya lived a good life, and she left behind not only the children who are well to do, her siblings are also important dignitaries in society, and it was recorded that they loved their sister to the point of death. Popular Tunji Onabamiro is the CEO kRAFTHAVEN, a design, build and woodwork firm. Chief (Mrs) Yemi Onabamiro, is the Iyaloja of Tinubu market and off course the popular society lady, Funmi Onabamiro. These 3 stood solidly behind the children of the deceased and they played a great host to many of their guests who graced the occasion.
– JAMIU ABUBAKAR & SUNDAY ADIGUN
