By Banji Ayoola
Remains of the departed mother of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu, will be buried on Saturday, November 12, in Owo, home of the governor.
She died peacefully in her sleep on September 15, in her Ibadan, Oyo State capital residence at 90.
The governor, in a statement signed by him on Tuesday, announcing the burial arrangements, said: “On behalf of my siblings and the entire Akeredolu family, I wish to express our profound gratitude to all those who have reached out to us through visits and messages since the transition of our loving and lovely mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu. It has been a deluge.
“Your display of love is profoundly appreciated. We cannot thank you enough. Your love and kindness are, indeed, potent enhancers for us to deepen our abiding faith in God and service to humanity.
“We are equally grateful to those who spared time to visit us at the Kopindogba residence of Maami in Ibadan. We extend our appreciation to those who visited us at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Akure, and everyone who has identified with us and other members of the Akeredolu family in Owo, Lagos and Abuja. Your affectionate support is heart-lifting.
“We appreciate the love and sympathy of political leaders, royal fathers, religious leaders, community leaders, heads of security agencies, organised labour, unionists, civil servants, public officials, student leaders, women groups as well as politicians across political parties.
“We would like to request friends, associates and well-wishers to join us in giving our late matriarch a glorious funeral. ”
He said: “We covet your prayers and supports as we prepare to celebrate the life of Maami.”
The burial programme will kick off on Thursday November 10 at 4 pm with Service of Songs at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Orogun, Ibadan; and Jacob & Grace Chapel of the All Saints Church, Iddo Eruwa Road, Ibadan.
These will be followed on Friday, November 11, with Commendation Service at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, by 9am; Service of Songs at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, by 4pm; and Wake Keep at Jacob & Grace Garden, Opposite Imade College, Oke-Ogun, Owo.
Saturday, November 12, is for the Burial Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, by 10am. Interment will follow immediately, and reception thereafter at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo.
