Eminent Nigerians bid ex-Ogun First Lady’s mother farewell

Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, stood still on Friday as eminent Nigerians joined former Governor Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, to pay their last respects to Princess Sabainah Ibironke Opawole.

The funeral service, held at Ibara Baptist Church, was attended by distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life and well-wishers of the Opawole, Osoba and Daniel families.

Those in attendance included the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Bola Obasanjo; the wife of former Ogun State Governor, Chief Mrs Olufunso Amosun; and the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Solomon Adeola and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, respectively.

The Vice-President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Prof. John Enyinnaya, in his sermon, reminded those in attendance that God remains ever-present from the beginning to the very end of human life.

He drew his message from Revelation 1:8 while speaking on the theme, “God Is the Alpha and the Omega of Our Lives.”

The cleric said: “God is not only the Alpha and the Omega; He is everything in between. He is with us at conception, through childhood, youth, adulthood and until our final breath. God is far more involved in our lives than we often realise.”

While encouraging mourners to draw strength from God’s constant presence, he said: “The fact that the Almighty God is actively involved in your life should encourage you. Whatever challenge you face, you are not facing it alone. God has been with you from the beginning, He is with you today, and He will remain with you until the very end. Trust Him completely, for He directs our steps and preserves our lives.”

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while paying tribute to the late Princess Opawole, described her as a woman of deep Christian faith whose unwavering devotion to God was reflected in her daily life and commitment to the Scriptures.

The governor recalled that Mama found great joy in reading the Bible and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her lifetime.

“It was said that Mama took great joy in reading the Bible. As the preacher reminded us, we should not wait until we face an emergency before remembering God,” the governor said.

Abiodun noted that one of the tributes revealed that the late matriarch could recite Bible passages from memory until the very end of her life, saying: “I also read one of the tributes which stated that Mama could recite passages of the Bible from memory. She knew the Scriptures by heart and continued to recite them until her very last day. As the saying goes, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Our beloved former First Lady exemplifies all the virtues Mama stood for.”

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Mrs Obasanjo described the deceased as “a woman in a million” whose life was defined by love, unity and selfless service.

She said: “Mama was truly a woman in a million. As a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she left a lasting legacy of love and unity within the family. She was deeply loved by everyone who crossed her path. We must celebrate a long life beautifully lived.”

Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, extended condolences to Mrs Olufunke Daniel, former Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel, their siblings and the entire Opawole family.

According to her, “Mama’s life was defined by steadfast dedication to her family, God and humanity. She will be remembered for raising children whose accomplishments reflect the quality of her nurturing guidance and values. Princess Opawole will also be sorely missed for her unwavering commitment to the work of the Lord, particularly within the Baptist denomination, where she touched countless lives through her service and dedication. As the family celebrates her enduring legacy, I pray that God grants her eternal rest and gives the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Also speaking during the service, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu encouraged the bereaved family to celebrate the remarkable legacy left behind by the late matriarch.

“When we have a life well spent as our grandmother had, it is good to eulogise such a life as a reference for how we should live ours. Though we feel the pain of this moment, we must be encouraged because, as people of faith, we know Mama has gone to a better place. Continue her legacy of goodness. We must preserve the values our parents bestowed upon us and pray for God’s guidance until our own appointed time,” he stated.

Similarly, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) described Princess Opawole as a woman whose life reflected compassion, faith, generosity and unwavering commitment to family.

“Mama Sabina lived a truly good and fulfilled life. She touched people from all walks of life, and we are gathered here today to celebrate a remarkable woman whose life was a blessing to her family, friends and community. She was deeply prayerful, loved God wholeheartedly and dedicated her life to serving Him and ensuring the success and unity of her family,” he said.

He added that her generosity remained one of her defining qualities.

“Even when she had little, she always found a way to accommodate and help others. Her kindness and compassion touched many lives. The large gathering here today is proof that she was deeply loved and respected. Though Mama is no longer physically with you, God remains with you, and we all stand with this family.”