By Amb. S. Yasir Abiola | Mature Minds Digital Radio TV
The people of Afao-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday, August 28, 2026, bid a final farewell to the late Chief Mrs. Julianah Ebun Omoyeni, fondly known as the Iyalọ́jà of Afao-Ekiti, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 77.
The funeral activities, which commenced with a wake-keep at her residence in Afao-Ekiti on Thursday, August 27, culminated in a church service at St. David’s Anglican Church, Afao-Ekiti, on Friday.
A Life of Grace, Service and Family
Late Chief Mrs. Julianah Ebun Omoyeni was remembered as a woman of grace, strength and admirable character who dedicated her life to her family, faith, business and community.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, as well as a respected community leader. Throughout her 77 years, she was said to have touched many lives through her kindness, humility, wisdom, hard work and commitment to the wellbeing of those around her.
She is survived by her husband and five children, including Comrade Omoyeni Abiodun Omobone, a trained broadcast regulator, public affairs analyst, blogger and political strategist.
According to Omobone, his late mother was a loving mother, devoted wife, caring grandmother, hardworking businesswoman, committed Christian and respected community leader whose contributions to the family and community would remain indelible.
Wake-Keep: Family and Community Remember Mama
The wake-keep held at the deceased’s residence on Thursday commenced at exactly 6:00 p.m. with prayers and songs of praise.
The service was led by Rev’d Canon M. A. Famewo of St. David’s Anglican Church, Afao-Ekiti.
Speakers at the wake-keep highlighted different aspects of the deceased’s life and personality.
Her sister, Mama Rachel, spoke about her peaceful coexistence with members of the family, describing a woman who maintained harmonious relationships with those around her.
Another speaker recalled her love and care for children, while another testified to her commitment to church activities and her devotion as a worshipper.
Speaking on behalf of the children, the firstborn, Mrs. Bosede Akintan (née Omoyeni), expressed gratitude to God for the life of her mother.
She described the deceased as a woman who understood the responsibilities of motherhood, a disciplinarian who cared deeply for her children and consistently stood by her husband.
Clergy Urges Family to Remain Firm in Faith
In his remarks, Rev’d Canon M. A. Famewo urged the children to remain firm in their faith and beliefs.
He reminded them that the arrangements and activities surrounding their mother’s burial were ultimately for their benefit and encouraged them to draw strength from the values their mother left behind.
He subsequently led prayers for the children and the family.
Church Service and Sermon
The funeral church service commenced at exactly 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. David’s Anglican Church, Afao-Ekiti.
Among the dignitaries and groups present were Evangelist Fola Ebenezer, Afao chiefs and Iyalojas, alongside family members, friends, associates and members of the community.
The sermon, delivered by Rev’d Canon M. A. Famewo, centred on the theme of covenant and its maintenance.
The cleric urged worshippers to reflect on the importance of their covenant with God and to examine how faithfully they were upholding it in their respective places of life and responsibility.
The service also featured appreciation and thanksgiving, followed by prayers for the children and the deceased’s husband, Chief Peters Omoyeni.
Reception Holds After Burial
Following the interment of the late Iyalọ́jà, the reception was held in honour of family, friends, community members and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate her life and legacy.
Among the dignitaries present at the reception were Hon. Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Hon. Vincent Bewaji, former APC Southwest Chairman; Hon. Ehinafe Odunayo Bola, CEO of Mature Minds Digital Radio TV; a State Officer of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC); and a State Officer of the revenue generation agency, among other dignitaries.
The gathering provided an opportunity for family members, friends, community leaders and associates to celebrate the life of a woman whose years were marked by family devotion, Christian faith, hard work and service to her community.
As Afao-Ekiti mourns the passing of Chief Mrs. Julianah Ebun Omoyeni, her family and community are left with the memories of a woman who lived with dignity, nurtured her family, served her faith and contributed to the social fabric of her community.
May the soul of Chief Mrs. Julianah Ebun Omoyeni, the Iyalọ́jà of Afao-Ekiti, continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Mature Minds Digital Radio TV
Reporting from Afao-Ekiti, Ekiti State
By Amb. S. Yasir Abiola
