Pa JOHN AROGUNJO Buried In Ilesa, OSUN State

• Details Of The 2 Day Classy Party

Orita Iloko, Iloko Ijesa Road, area of Ilesa was practically on standstill for two days the penultimate weekend when CEO of Real OTB Construction, Otunba Andrew Oluwaseun Arogunjo and his siblings gave their late father Pa John Ayodeji Arogunjo a befitting burial.

The colourful ceremony held on Thursday, 22 August and Friday, 23 August, 2024 attracted guests across different sectors from far and near to Ilesa. Both the Christian Wake on Thursday and the main burial on Friday were massively attended by a good number of those that matter in the society.

That, of course, wasn’t unexpected judging by the exemplary life that the deceased lived. Testimonies abound of the charismatic life and time of Baba during the burial ceremony. As many described him as a respected community leader and a bridge builder. Baba was also a devoted Christian whose life positively affected not only his immediate family but everyone who ever crossed paths with him.

His great contributions to building and progress of the house of God were emphasized during the funeral mass. How his sitting room was used for years while construction of another church (St. Catherine Catholic Church, Orita Iloko) was ongoing. He was a member of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, St. Lawrence’s Catholic Church, Imo, Ilesa where a funeral mass was held in his honor. The church also coordinated the Thursday’s Christian Wake Keep at Bobajo Events Centre, Orita Iloko Ijesa, Iloko Ijesa Road, Ilesa. Little wonder then that family, friends and associates rallied round the Arogunjos as they buried their father.

It wasn’t also surprising that Baba’s children didn’t leave any stone unturned in giving him a grand burial. After the funeral mass, Baba’s remains were interred at his Orita Iloko Ijesa Road residence, and guests were thereafter hosted to an elaborate reception at Gold City Events Centre, Iloko Ijesa Road, Ilesa. The burial ceremony won’t be forgotten in a hurry. It was indeed a celebration of a life well spent of Pa Arogunjo.

However, City People team led by its Correspondent, DARE ADENIRAN; Head of Adverts, TIMOTHY FOWOMOLA and the Photographer, WALE OSANYINTOLA were in Ilesa for two days and brought to you some of the exclusive gists from the party. Enjoy it….

THE LIFE & TIME OF PA AROGUNJO

Late Pa John Ayodeji Arogunjo, indeed, lived a fulfilled life. He lived an impactful and a purposeful life till he breathed his last on July 10, 2024 at a very ripe age of 87. Despite his inability to acquire former education having lost his mother at a very tender age, Baba was able to make a success out of his life. His dedication, resilience and positive disposition to life paid off. Putting him at an advantage to overcome challenges and trials of life. He was a successful businessman and a farmer.

Born into the family of Pa Michael Oluwadare Arogunjo and Mary Olatunji Arogunjo (Nee Olowu), in Odo Ijesa, Osun State, Ayodeji Arogunjo was a man of the people. He was well loved and respected in his community. In his lifetime, Baba was an active and dedicated member of St. Lawrence’s Catholic Church, Imo, Ilesa. He was an active member of St Lawrence Society, and Grand Patron of Elite Club, Odo Ijesa.

Pa Arogunjo is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will dearly missed not only by his immediate family but the St. Lawrence Church family and the community generally.

ABOUT BABA’S WIDOW, OLAYEMI

Apart from the lovely children, Baba also left behind his ever supportive wife, Mrs. Victoria Olayemi Arogunjo (Nee Adejumo). She is the woman that Baba married after the demise of his first wife, Madam Apeke Rachel Arogunjo (Nee Dabiri) in 1964. She will definitely miss him dearly. This explained why she broke down when the remains of her husband were interred. They were more than husband and wife. They were each other’s confidant and the best of friends. Together they were able to build not only a sweet but a Christian and loving children who are all grown and doing great in their various chosen careers.

THE CHILDREN

The fact that Pa Arogunjo was a good Christian is reflected in the lives of his children. The Arogunjos are one loving and well knitted family. You can’t differentiate between children of the late first wife and others. They are all respectful and successful too. They include Mr. Moses Busuyi Arogunjo (Atiku); Mrs. Dada; Otunba Andrew Oluwaseun Arogunjo, a real estate expert and CEO of Real OTB Construction Limited; Temitope Rufus Arogunjo; Temidayo Mary Abimbola, and Ojo James Arogunjo.

MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR THE FUNERAL MASS

To say that Pa Arogunjo lived a dedicated christian life would be an understatement. He was a great motivator in God’s vineyard, and testimonies to this fact were enormous. That also explained the huge turnout at the funeral mass. The St. Lawrence’s Catholic Church Imo, Ilesa was filled to the brim. The notable point of the mass, however, was Baba’s children gracious donation to the ongoing mission house project of the church. Their friends, especially those of Otunba Andrew Arogunjo, who doubled as the Chairman of the harvest committee of the church, also donated handsomely towards the project. The Arogunjos are known to always been supportive of church projects, and to keep their late father’s legacy alive they had promised not to relent. Some of Otunba Andrew Arogunjo’s friends who supported the project with their substances included Pastor Bode of MFM, Sir Ejike, Mr. Tony Amusan, Mr. Oliver, Barr. Tony Olagunju, Hon. Diran, among others.

THE MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION

Immediately after Baba’s body was interred at his residence, guests moved to the reception venue of the burial ceremony. The reception took place at Gold City Events Center, Orita lloko, Iloko Ijesha Road, Ilesa. The venue was transformed to a small paradise with an elaborate decoration. It was a Blue and Affair. The decorations were distinctively done to match the Blue & Black Ankara Aso-Ebi with Blue headgear for women and white material with blue cap for men. It was a beauty to behold. The colorfully dressed ushers also added a bit of glamour to the whole setting. Not only that, there was also a very rich menu list to complement the breathtaking decorations. Both local and continental dishes were on the menu. Jollof/Fries Rice with Moinmoin and Coleslaw, Pounded Yam, Amala, Ofada, Ewa Agonyi with diced Plantain, Chinese Cuisine, Small Chops, Tapioca with fruit and milk, Garri and Eja Yoyo, Fish Barbecue and more were on the list. What about drinks? It flowed endlessly in different varieties. The burial ceremony was indeed a testament to the fact that Pa Arogunjo really lived a fulfilled and impactful life.

OTUNBA ANDREW AROGUNJO AS AN EXCELLENT HOST

Otunba Andrew Oluwaseun Arogunjo really dazzled his guests who came from far and near to attend the burial ceremony. He made their coming to Ilesa worthwhile. The fun started from Thursday as there was an small party after the Christian Wake Keep. They were adequately entertained with a very talented band. The main reception however was on another dimension entirely. Top grade wines, whiskey and brandy were served. Different brands of red wines, Glenfiddich, Hennessy, Jamesson Black Barrel, Vodka, William Lawson and others flowed like water. Otunba was virtually on his feet, moving from one table to the other and made sure his guests were satisfied. He was supported by his beautiful wife in making the burial ceremony a memorable one.

WHO DID WHAT

Vendors for the burial ceremony were tastefully selected and they all gave good accounts of themselves. Beccadex Aladun catered for the party while the beautiful ushers were supplied by Unique Ushers. Ambassador Lekan Tempo and his Ancestor crew were on bandstand. Akolade Adekola, aka Omo Baba Overseer (OBO), alongside another talented MC, anchored the reception.

ROLL CALL

The fact that the burial ceremony in honor of Pa Arogunjo was a well attended couldn’t be overemphasized. People came from different parts of the country to pay their last respects to the deceased and also to support the children. Prominent personalities who graced the occasion are Chief and Mrs. Adeyemi, Sanya Omirin, the lawmaker representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obisesan; Engr. Victor Adedoyin, Hon. Ilesanmi Areoye, Dr. Awoniyi, Hon. Wale Akerele of Osun Assembly, Barr Tayo Ogunjimi of TOC, Mama Fadoju, Chief Martins, Atiku Ladies, Veronica Association led by Mrs. Adeyemi, Akeem Adesoji, Hon. Festus Oyediran, Alhaja Afusat, Hon. Idowu Omotoye, Hon. Taiwo ilesanmi, Hon. Dangote, Diran Olatunbosun, Hon. Agbeja, Engr. Adetoro, Hon. Usman, Hon. Obisesan, Agbeke spots, Barr. Tony Olagunju, Bisola Omoge Bata, and a whole lot of others who are too numerous to mention.