On Friday, December 11, 2020, one of the prominent members of the Atanneye royal families, Prince Joel Olatigbe Oluyemi Atanneye was buried in Owo. His son and daughters, led by Prince Olumide Joel, and his siblings pulled out all the stops to bury him in grand style.
Prince Joel Olatigbe Oluyemi Atanneye in his lifetime was an epitome of a real father, a caring and hardworking man, who labored to make sure that all his children became the best in their endeavors and in their chosen carriers. He was entrepreneurial, a devoted Christian, and a family man till the very end. Prince Joel was totally dedicated to his family for whom he sacrificed so much. He was a man of many parts.
SON, PRINCE OLUMIDE EULOGISES FATHER
According to his son, Prince Olumide, his father, a much-loved adviser and mentor was given to prayers. Though he had a rough start in life, in the end, he got rewarded with long, fruitful, and impactful life. He made a difference: “His final departure on March 23, 2020, was the terminal of a long transition. He left no one in doubt of his courage to stay on. Of course, we knew him as a product of grace and got fascinated each time we thought he was on his final journey only to find him smiling and staying strong the next day.
He was my mentor and he took me along the journeys of life with him. Never stopping to believe and trust God in whatever circumstances and no matter the crisis. His principled positions on issues, daring to defer from unsustainable populist lines, taught me to accept that majority are not always correct and facts are sacrosanct. Truth comes at a premium. He inspired and tutored us on the vanity of wealth without production and the worthlessness of primitive acquisition of all materiality without consideration for humanity.
PRINCE JOEL ATANNEYE WAS FERRIED IN HORSE CAISSON
A horse-drawn caisson carrying the deceased’s casket led a procession from the country home to the vehicle that conveyed baba to church for the final funeral service. Prince Joel’s son and daughters shared a hug beside the casket as family, friends, and other mourners bid farewell to their father. Baba’s widow and other family members joined friends and admirers following a horse-drawn caisson carrying the casket of the deceased to the caravan.
AT THE CHURCH SERVICE
The remains of the late Prince Joel Olatigbe arrived in a gold and white casket; amid the celebration, drumming, and dancing; ferried with the utmost respect by professional Home Care, undertakers arrived St, Andrews Anglican Church, Owo, Ondo, for the funeral and thanksgiving service.
For the service that was scheduled to start at 1pm, the whole church was already filled up to capacity before the stipulated time. Family members, friends of the deceased children and well-wishers from all walks of life assembled to bid the great father, grandfather farewell. As usual, the service commenced with processional hymn and orders of service were conducted by appointed officiating ministers accordingly.
MEET LATE PRINCE JOEL OLATIGBE’S CHILDREN
Prince Joel Olatigbe’s in his lifetime was very fruitful. Many of his children are well to do. Some of them hold very high positions in society, while others are doing well in the corporate world, They are; Prince Olumide Joel, Olori Aderonke, Emmanuelking, Adenike Jemirade, and Adedolapo Modupe Aloba
AT THE RECEPTION
After the interment, entertainment of guests immediately followed at the prestigious Midas Events Center situated at Ikare road. The reception witnessed the presence of many dignitaries and celebrities from all walks of life. The venue was filled to the brim as guests arrived from Abuja, Lagos e.t.c Friends and family members trooped in, gorgeously dressed in the Aso-Ebi that was chosen for the day.
ABOUT THE VENUE AND THE COLOUR OF THE DAY
The hall was beautifully spacious. It is a venue that will no doubt pass for the convergence of kings. The security personnel was on top of their games, as they were able to control the crowd. The inside of the hall was beautifully decorated with purple and gold. It blended with the color of the Aso Ebi and Ankara chosen for the day. Many celebrities in attendance did justice to the purple Aso Ebi.
ADRON HOMES STAFF SUPPORTS THEIR ED, OLORI ADERONKE EMMANUELKING
No fewer than 50 staff of Pan-African Real Estate Company, Adron Homes and Properties, showed up to support their boss, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking and her husband, Aare EmmanuelKing the General Managing Director, ADRON Homes. The Action team came in about 5 Staff buses from Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan regions.
Mrs. Fisayo Oloruntoba, who led the team, spoke on behalf of Adron staff, donated 10 ceiling fans to St. Andrews Anglican Church. The team also volunteered to play other key roles in the burial activities.
OVER 20 COWS WERE KILLED
The ancient town of Owo will not forget the burial ceremony of Prince Joel Atanneye so soon as the new mansion, that was reportedly built within 4 months was filled with no fewer than 20 cows, 20 rams and many goats. The butchers were working round the clock to ensure there was enough meat for guests and cows were being slaughtered and processed almost every hour.
AARE ADETOLA EMMANUEL KING STOOD OUT
Aare EmmanuelKing Adron Homes and Property boss, who happens to be one of the sons-in-law to the deceased, who had been around before the program commenced, stood by his wife and family all through the event, as staff of Adron Homes stormed the event to show their support for their ED, Olori Aderonke, who is loved and appreciated for her hospitable personality. Aare Adetola was seen as he received guests who came in from various states to support the family. He also played host to the media who came to cover the memorable event.
Aare Adetola was a cynosure of all eyes, as he was seen everywhere trying to ensure that everything goes smoothly and perfectly without any problems. He stood by his wife, Olori Aderonke, and her siblings to support in all areas to give baba the most befitting burial deserving of a wonderful father. He was also seen around mama Olatigbe Oluyemi, ensuring that mama did not feel alone at any time.
TOP SINGERS STORM RECEPTION
Saidi Balogun routinely ushered in many gospel music stars who also came from far and wide to perform at their best in honor of Prince Joel. Guest artistes include Awesome Band, Dare Melody, Esther Igbekele, Tope Alabi, Segun Ogungbe, Sir Shina Peters, the Owo traditional singers, Remo traditional singers and many more.
Each artist and dance troupe performed at their best, giving the hosts and guests scintillating performances.
-Seun Joseph
