The Ransome-Kuti family is one of the most influential and famous families in Nigeria that is known for its human right activism and defending the masses. The families have produced activist like Beko Ransome-Kuti, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuuti, Seun Kuti who have used their music and intellect to promote human right in Nigeria.
Thursday 9th and Friday 10th January 2020 would remain remarkable for the family members, friends and associates of Ransome Kuti as their matriarch Mrs. Abosede Folashade Ransome-Kuti was laid to rest to join mother earth. The shocking news of her death broke the internet on the 3rd day of December 2019, which was about a month to her 75th birthday. City People’s Society Reporter, TITILOPE OGUNLEYE was there to give the details of the event.
Her service of songs took place at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos on the 9th of January, 2020. The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi was present at the lying in state and also at the commendation service at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos.
Lying in state took place of Friday 10th January, 2020 with a commendation service at her church. Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos. The interment was strictly for family members while the reception took place at the Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos.
The Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun Lagos was beautifully decorated in purple and gold just as the colour of the Ankara Aso-Ebi. It was strictly by invitation as security personnel were at the entrance to ensure safety.
Dignitaries and guests of the Ransome-Kuti family dazzled in different gorgeous designs of the Aso-Ebi as top Lagos music band named Segun Johnson and his band entertained the guests.
Dr. Joe-Okei Odumakin and the Women Arise Team were dressed in a special T-shirt with the inscription Abosede Ransome Kuti Lives and her picture on it. The team had ushers who ensured that the guests were properly attended to.
Dignitaries were attended to as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was invited to the stage to dance with her friends and family. The atmosphere took a new turn as Funmilayo and her friends stormed the stage with different dance styles.
Dr. Joe-Okei Odumakin President Women Arise walked to the podium to give a documentary on the goodwill messages from families, friend and loved ones of late Abosede Folashade Ransome-Kuti.
Yeni Kuti popularly called YK Power with Funke Kuti and Seun Kuti gave a toast to late Abosede Folashade Kuti who loved a bubbling life and there was never a dull moment with her.
Comrade Yinka Odumakin who represented the Committee for Defence of Human Right (CDHR) also gave tribute to the late Ransome Kuti matriarch as someone who loved to defend human right and who also continued the legacy of her late husband Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti.
Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi gave a tribute to the late Abosede Ransome-Kuti. He said that the news of her death shocked him and he could only take solace in the fact that she lived a life worthy of emulation before she went to the great beyond.
The documentary continued with goodwill messages from Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Femi Falana (SAN), Aare Gani Adams (Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba), Dr. Goke Akinfeleye, Lande Ransome-Kuti, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Morenike Nedum, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, Dr. Goke Akinfeleye, Comrade Yinka Odumakin, Lolari Popoola, Hon. Ronke Ogunyemi to mention but a few.
ROLL CALL
Femi Falana (SAN), Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Dr. Joe Odumakin, Mrs. Bimpe Ajayi, Professor Oye Adeniran, Dr. Dotun Ransome Kuti, Yetunde Williams, Hassenut Alafia, Dr. Anthony Agbawo, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Comrade Yinka Odumakin, Mrs. Temidayo Okunuga, Mr. Tosho, Comrade Funmi Jolade Ajayi, Miss Linda Ejeyawe, Ogunbukunmi Ronke, Yetunde Ransome-Kuti, Jumoke Oyerogba, Milicient Ransome Kuti, Funke Ransome-Kuti, Mr. Olawale Olaiya.
