…For Father’s Burial
•Details Of The 3-Day Event
The 3-day final burial of Deacon (Pa) Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) which was held on the 30th of November, 1st and 2nd December, 2022, will remain memorable in Ikere-Ekiti and its environs as the children of Adewumi in Ikere-Ekiti gave their father and grandfather a befitting burial. The talk-of-the-town party saw personalities and captains of industries from all walks of life in attendance.
Deacon (Pa) Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) slept in the Lord on 30th September 2022 at the age of 104.
The event started with a Night of Tributes on Wednesday, 30th November 2022 at Emmanuel Event Hall, Inspiration Hotel & Suites, Moshood Road, Ikere-Ekiti. On Thursday, Ist December 2022, a Christian Wake/Service of Songs was held at the same venue. On Friday, 2nd December 2022, the Solution Baptist Church, Ikere-Ekiti conducted the Funeral Service at Emmanuel Event Hall, Inspiration Hotel & Suites, Ikere-Ekiti. Interment followed immediately at Otunba Sola Adewumi’s residence. Then came the reception afterwards. ADEOLA SHITTU brings you the gist.
THE CHURCH SERVICE
A memorable funeral service was held in honour of late Deacon Pa Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) by the Solution Baptist Church, Ikere-Ekiti at Emmanuel Event Hall, Inspiration Hotel & Suites, Moshood Road, Ikere-Ekiti. The 3-hour service saw dignitaries from all walks of life in attendance. The President of Ekiti Baptist Conference, Revd (Dr) E A Aribasoye delivered the touching Homily titled “Precious in God’s Sight” (Psalm 116 vs 5). Other officiating ministers were present.
MEMORABLE WAKE KEEP AND LYING-IN-STATE
The traditional Christian wake service in honour of late Deacon (Pa) Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) was held at Emmanuel Event Hall, Inspiration Hotel & Suites, Moshood Road, Ikere-Ekiti. The service was conducted by Solution Baptist Church, Ikere Ekiti. The attendance was overwhelming with several people testifying to the good life lived by the late Deacon Pa Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) and his generous and disciplined lifestyle.
MEET PAPA’S SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN
Late Deacon (Pa) Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) was blessed with 7 God-fearing children who are all successful in their various areas of specialization. Baba had 6 successful sons and a daughter. His children are, Mrs Caroline Oke married to the (Oke family), she is the first and only daughter of the late Deacon Pa Adewumi.
Pastor Tope Adewumi is married to Mrs Lola Adewumi (nee Daramola). (Asoju) Otunba Sola Adewumi, the Chairman/CEO of Equitorial Energy Limited is married to Chief (Mrs) Kemi Adewumi from Ayede-Ekiti, Mr Olayiwola Adewumi is married to Mrs Adeyinka Adewumi, Mr Bankole Adewumi is married to Mrs Wunmi Adewunmi, Mr Dipo Adewumi, and Mr Jide Adewumi. They were all on their feet to ensure that their guests were well catered for.
BELL FUNERAL HOME CONVEYED BABA DEWUMI’S REMAINS
Ekiti’s leading funeral outfit Bell Funeral Home conveyed the remains of late Deacon (Pa) Emmanuel Adelodun Adewumi JP (Omo Ayiye of Ikere Kingdom) in a sparkling white and gold casket. Baba was dressed in white buba and sokoto matched with Agbada and Aso-Oke. He was laid to rest at his son, Otunba Sola Adewumi’s residence in Ikere GRA.
BABA DEWUMI’S IN-LAW IS VERY SUPPORTIVE
There is no doubt, Papa is blessed with a wonderful son-in-law and daughters-in-law, who all came together to give him a befitting burial. Also, Papa’s extended family were present and supportive.
WHAT PAPA’S CHILDREN DID FOR THE CHURCH
One of the customs and traditions during the burial rites in the church is for the family of the deceased to donate or present items in the name of their late father or mother. The Baptist Church also do it. Late Pa Adewumi was a devoted Christian who contributed to the growth of his church, Solution Baptist Church, Ikere. He built the church for them. Baba Dewumi embarked on a 50 million naira project for the church. The President of Ekiti Baptist Church, Rev Adeyinka Aribasoye also called on well-wishers to support the ongoing 70 million naira Event Hall that will be named after the deceased and his late wife. Also, a multi-million naira project for widows and old age in Ikere-Ekiti was mentioned. Aside from that, Otunba Sola Adewumi, on behalf of Baba Adewumis children, adopted Mama Favor, Baba’s nanny.
TRIBUTES BY ROYAL AMBASSADORS OF SOLUTION BAPTIST CHURCH
The boys’ brigade of Solution Baptist Church came out in their number, in their ceremonial dress, to pay their last rest to their patron, the late Pa Adewumi. Their command performance added glamour to the event.
ABOUT THE RECEPTION
After the church service and interment Otunba Sola Adewumi and his pretty wife, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Adewumi and family hosted over 1000 guests at the Hallmark Hall, Ikere-Ado road. The beautiful hall was transformed by event decorators in white and gold, with lovely flowers. The entrance of the hall had beautiful pictures of Baba Dewumi. The Ushers and Bouncers were at their best. It was a very classic event.
EKITI TRADITIONAL RULERS HONOUR THE LATE PA ADEWUMI
The gist will not be complete without mentioning the presence of Traditional Rulers who came to honour the late Pa Adewumi.
The Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala II was ably represented at the church by his Olori, Eyesorun Funmilola Adejimi Adu and Ogoga in Council, also present was the Atah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Abdumumini Orisagbemi and his beautiful Oloris, The Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi among other traditional rulers came to honour Baba Dewumi. High chiefs were not left out.
PRINCE OLAJIDE BABALOLA WAS EVERYWHERE
Prince Olajide Babalola, an academician and Shipping Tycoon is the Chairman of Grenville Schools, Lagos. He is a business partner and a close pal to Otunba Sola Adewumi. Prince Jide was the co-host for the event. He was on his feet to ensure guests of Otunba Adewumi were well catered for. He wore the same matching outfit as his friend, Engr. Tola Gbuyiro of Gooslink Engineering Limited. Their wives, Olori Bolatito Babalola and Mrs Bola Gbuyiro were also not left out.
REV. DR’s (MRS) JANE ONALAPO MOTHERLY ROLE
The General Overseer of Abundant Life Gospel Church, Lagos, Nigeria, Rev (Mrs) Dr Jane Onalapo was fully on ground to give the support needed to Otunba Adewumi and his pretty wife, Chief (Mrs) Kemi, the Yeye Otun Eyesorun of Ikere-Ekiti, who are members of her church. She played her motherly role to the family as they gave their father, late Pa Adewumi a befitting burial. Also present were elders and members of Abundant Life Gospel Church, Lagos, Nigeria.
CHAIRMAN, NEWS CRUISE FM, WOLE OLANIPEKUN SAN STOOD BY THE ADEWUMIS
Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, the Asiwaju of Ikere Kingdom and an industrious son of Ikere gave the Adewumis all the support needed, including his presence as he paid his last respect to the man he refered to as “Iconic Community Leader.” Chief Wole Olanipekun was very close to Baba Dewumi and his children as they share a strong bond. This accounts for why he does not joke with them.
CHIEF ISAAC JOLAPAMO WAS THERE
Founding President of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) and Chairman/CEO of Morlap Group, Chief Isaac Jolapamo is Otunba Sola Adewumi’s boss and they are so close. This explains why he stood by him as Otunba gave his father a befitting burial.
LAGOS CP ABIODUN ALABI WAS ALSO THERE
Not many know that the Lagos State Commissioner for Police, Cp Abiodun Alabi is one of the close pals of Pastor Tope Adewumi. He was not just there but his presence was also felt as they gave Pa Adewumi a befitting burial. He enjoyed every moment of King Sunny Ade’s songs.
FRIENDS OF PASTOR TOPE ADEWUMI STOOD
BY HIM
Pastor Tope Adewumi is Baba Dewumi’s first son and he is also a pastor at Redeem Christian Church of God. Pastor Tope and his pretty wife were on their feet althrough the event to ensure their guests enjoyed every moment of their stay. Pastor’s friends present were; Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Abiodun Alabi, Dr Damilola Olajide, Pastor Gilbert Nwosah, Mr Abiodun Adeniyi, Mr Bode Ogundana, Mrs Toyin Akanbi, Barrister Rotimi from Lagos, Christ’s School Alumni – 73/78 Set and RCCG House of Peace, Lagos. Also, friends of Mrs Lola Adewumi were not left out in celebrating a life well spent by Pa Adewumi.
BETWEEN EYESORUN OF IKERE AND OTUN EYESORUN OF IKERE
The pretty wife of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala II the Ogoga of Ikere Kingdom, Olori Funmilola Adejimi Adu, the Eyesorun of Ikere Kingdom and Chief (Mrs) Kemi Adewumi, the Otun Eyesorun of Ikere Kingdom share a great bond and they don’t joke with each other. Despite Eyesorun’s position, both women were on their toes, all through the event ensuring that guests were well catered for.
PRINCE OGOJI was VERY SUPPORTIVE
Prince Feyi Ogoji, a Director at UBA is a close family friend to the Adewumi family and a childhood friend to Otunba Sola Adewumi. In his tribute, he revealed Baba Dewumi’s impact on his life. He took over from Baba as the Chairman of the newly constituted Board of Amoye Microfinance Bank Ltd in 2008. Prince Ogoji came with his pretty wife, Mrs Feyi to support their friend, Otunba in giving Baba Dewumi a befitting burial.
OTUNBA SOLA ADEWUMI WAS A PERFECT HOST
Otunba Sola Adewumi, an Oil magnate, the Chairman of Equitorial Energy Company Limited and his pretty wife, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Adewumi, the Otun Eyesorun of Ikere Kingdom, were indeed perfect hosts as they were on their feet throughout the event. Did we tell you that for three days hotels in Ikere-Ekiti and Ado-Ekiti were fully booked for their guests. They ensured their guests were well catered for and their safety was paramount. Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Adewumi is the CEO of Chikem Farms, the biggest farm in Ekiti State.
FRIENDS OF OLAYIWOLA ADEWUMI HONOURED HIM
Friends and in-laws of Olayiwola Adewumi stormed Ikere-Ekiti to pay their last respect to Pa. Adewumi. Present were Stephen Ibijola, Charles Hillary Dada, ASOBA 90 members, Royal Ambassadors, while his in-laws, the Adeshinas from Lagos Island, were not left out. Mr Olayiwola’s mother-in-law, Mrs Kudirat Taiwo, led the team to Ikere-Ekiti.
FRIENDS OF BANKOLE ADEWUMI FLEW IN
Bankole is the baby of the house and he is based in Manchester. Some of his friends and close associates flew in to celebrate with him as he buried his father.
The likes of Maruff Bakare, Ayo Ogundare, Abiola Muiz, Bisi Afuye, Korede Ajala, Abiodun Owoyemi, Demola Alare, Dimeji Rabiu, Adewuyi Ibisomi, Tope and Sola from Manchester, Rasaq, Demola, Demola Abdulrauf, among others stormed Ikere-Ekiti. Also, his in-law was present.
AKOGUN STEPHEN ABIODUN OJO CAME
Akogun Stephen Abiodun Ojo, an insurance guru and finance expert, flew in from Abuja to honour Otunba Sola Adewumi as he gave his father a befitting burial. Also, Hon Esan Ayeleso, fondly called OSKA was present.
ERELU TOYIN OLUMILUA MARK
FLEW IN
The CEO of Etom Place, Erelu Toyin Olumilua Mark flew in from Abuja to honour her big brother, Otunba Sola Adewumi and his pretty wife, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Adewumi, the Yeye Otun Eyesorun of Ikere-Ekiti.
CELEBRITY WOMEN NOT LEFT OUT
The party gist will not be complete without mentioning the huge presence of celebrity women who flew to the town from all parts of the state and continent to celebrate with the Adewumis in giving late Pa. Adewumi a befitting burial. They all looked beautiful and stylish in their yellow swiss lace Aso-Ebi while some looked beautiful in their Ankara Aso-Ebi. Present were Chief (Mrs) Toyin Isiaka, Yeye Bobaguwa of Ikere-Ekiti, Chief (Mrs) Modupe Olatunde, Chief (Mrs) Funmi Ogunseyi, Chief (Mrs) Lanre Adedipe, Yeye Bobaniyi of Ikere-Ekiti. Mrs Ajewole Oladunni, Deaconess Adebunmi Adeniwu, Mrs Dorathy Olekaibe, Mrs Folake Oladapo, Mrs Waleola Bello, Mrs Funmi Adeojo, National Vice President NAWORG, Pastor (Mrs) Ogunlade, Mrs Adebari, Mrs. Bola Gbuyiro, Olori Feyi Ogoji, Olori Bolatito Babalola, and host of others rocked Ikere-Ekiti.
OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION OF ACAOSA WELL REPRESENTED
It was indeed a befitting burial for late Pa Adewumi as members of the Aquinas College Akure Old Students Association (ACAOSA) stormed Ikere-Ekiti as Aquinarian Otunba Sola Adewumi, whom they described as a committed member of the alumni, buried his father. The likes of Aquinarian Prince Jide Owolabi, Aquinarian Chief Ayo Ilesanmi, the Osagbale of Ijero-Ekiti, Aquinarian Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa, the Vice Challencor, Bamidele Olumilua University, Ikere-Ekiti, Aquinarian Prince Aderemi Ademulegun, Aquinarian Prince Kunle Oyekanni, Aquinarian Osadare Olubukola, Aquinarian Elder Yomi Adebiyi, Aquinarian Chief Funsho Popoola, among others were present.
FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR, PROF ELEKA AND SENATOR ANTHONY ADENIYI, SAN CAME
His Excellency, Prof Olusola Eleka, the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State honoured the Adewumis. Also sighted was Senator Anthony Adeniyi (SAN). The former Senator represented Ekiti South Senatorial district between 2011 and 2015. They both attended the church service before leaving for another engagement.
WHO DID WHAT?
The reception venue was transformed by a Lagos-based event decorator, Royal Profile Events, who doubled as the planner. They transformed the Hallmark Event Centre, Ikere and gave it a touch of royalty. While Fumar Catering Service and Remy’s Professional Caterers took charge of the catering. Also, Lagos-based drink vendor, Richbeth took charge of the drinks. Akure-based confectionery, Owambe Pot took charge of the grill, small chops and asun. They also served palm wine, while Tolu Photography & Films were the official photographers for the event. Famous and indigenous Ekiti broadcasters, Mr Sola Oladele and Asorogbayi anchored the event.
ROLL CALL
Dignitaries present at the funeral of late Deacon (Pa) Adewumi were Gen. Yemi Adetayo and his wife from Abuja, Rear Admiral & (Mrs) Segun Adebari, (Mr) & (Mrs) Muyiwa Bello, Pastor (Mrs) Bola Ajagunna, Bursar Fuoye, Arch Dare, Mr Temitope Akinola, Pastor & Mrs Oyinlola, Revd & Mrs Adeniyi, Otunba Bayo Williams, Bishop Moses, Rev’d Dr & Mrs Stephen, Mrs Abosede Dairo, Mr Segun David, Adekemi Olugbemigan, Mr & Mrs Akin Awosan, Mr Abiodun Okeniyi, Apostle Oluwaseyi Ogunko, Mr & Mrs Olubodun Ogunyankin, Alhaji Rasaq Lawal (Lima) CEO of Belfor Nigeria Ltd, Mr Richard Adedeji, Capt. Tunde Adeoye, Barr Rotimi Abimbola of Lawline Solutions, Mr Chigozie Okpechi, Mr Kusimo Oladipo, Dr Olujobi from Manchester, Captain Dagogo, Hon Femi Agbeyo & wife, Adebanjo Title, Ogunleye Kolawole, Pastor (Mrs) Ogunlade, Chief Ogunlade, Mrs Foluke Ogunyankin, Mr Segun David, Mrs Toyin Awosan, Mr & Mrs Kehinde Daniels, Mr Akin Afuye, CEO of All Occasion Events, among others.
ON THE BANDSTAND
It was indeed a befitting burial as King Sunny Ade, the undisputed king of Juju music, brought his famed live band, “the African Beats” to Ikere-Ekiti. For over 7 hours, he thrilled the guests with his evergreen songs. With King Sunny Ade, there was no dull moment.
