Eulogies as Adesanya’s wife departs

Tears and eulogies poured freely in Ijebu – Igbo, Ogun state, yesterday as eminent Nigerians and monarchs in Ijebuland bid the widow of late Abraham Adesanya, Mama Rosanna Adesanya, farewell. 

Her remains in a coffee colour wooden casket were interred by 1:14pm beside her husband in a marbled grave in the family compound at Oke – Agbo area of the town. 

Earlier, a funeral and thanksgiving service was held in her honour at St John’s African Church. 

No fewer than nine Obas in Ijebu – the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye, the Alaporu of Ilaporu, Elerunwon of Erunwon, Limeri of Awa, Olokine of Ojowo, Ajalorun of Ijebu – Ife and Sopen- Lukale of Oke –Sopen among others, sent in their symbols of authority and with delegates paying last honour to her.

Former Ogun state Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; his Ekiti state counterpart, Niyi Adebayo; Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Muiz Banire, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Governorship candidate in Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ogun East Senatorial candidate  for ACN, Alhaji Adegbenga Kaka; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Senator Femi Okunrounmu , Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Supo Shonibare, Senator Mamora Olorunimbe, Chief Agboola Alausa and scores of friends and associates of her late husband witnessed the evocative passage.                  

They all extolled her virtues as a quintessential mother, supportive wife and ally of her late husband during the long and thorny years of democratic struggle in Nigeria.

Mama Adesanya’s daughter and one- time Minister of state for Defence, Mrs Dupe Adelaja and her siblings broke down in tears as they took turn to perform the ash – to – ash and dust – to – dust rites for their mother who died at 86. 

Adelaja said: “Irrespective of the age, your parent is your parent. When anybody leaves this world, you are bound to miss that person. So why should I be asked why I’m crying? She is my mother and Mama was everything good to me when she was alive.”

The Ijebu Diocesan Bishop, African Church of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Augustine Odofuwa, who officiated at the Church service and the graveside rite, commended Mama for leading a worthy life.

He reminded Christians and those in positions of authority to remember there is reward for their sojourn on earth.