Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, betrayed his emotions while delivering a final departure speech at his mother, Abigal Makinde’s burial in Ibadan on Friday. At the funeral service that took place at the Cathederal of Saint Peter, Aremo, the governor waxed emotional while recounting all what he said his mother did for him to become what he is today.
The speech, which was intermittently punctured by a refrain of Mama Seyi betrayed the human in the governor. Mama Seyi, you are irreplaceable. Mama, today, I chose not to be sad because you passed away. I prefer to rejoice and at that point the governor audibly sobbed in what could be described as a tear of joy. The dark sun-glasses he spotted could not cover the rolling tears down his face as his handkerchief came to his rescue.
Makinde recalled how his mother was opposed to his going into politics, but rejoiced and celebrated his victory at the 2019 governorship election.
Ibadan played host to a large number of very important personalities who came to commiserate with Makinde and pay last tribute to his mother. They included Governors of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, Sokoto State, Aminu Tamubuwal, Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Adama State, Umaru Fintri, Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Akwa-Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Many former governors also stormed the funeral service. Among them were Adebayo Alao-Akala, Rashidi Ladoja, Raji Rasaki, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Segun Oni and Peter Obi. Also in attendance were the representatives of Ooni of Ile-Ife, the Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso. The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by his wife, Bola.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan, Province (Anglican Commission), the Most Reverend, Segun Okubadejo, urge the congregation to live for the benefit of others. He told the people not to succumb to temptation of corruption if they wanted to participate in the feast of Jerusalem. He stressed that only those found worthy would participate at the feast.
