The ancient town of Igbara-Oke stoodstill on Friday 2nd July and Saturday 3rd July, 2021 as His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, (Ogidi III), The Olowa and Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke kingdom buried his late father, Prince Ezekiel Abiodun Agbede in grandstyle, even as Music Icon, King Sunny Ade entertained guests.
The two-day event brought dignitaries from across the country and all walks of life together for the purpose of celebrating the life of the departed icon and giving the people one more opportunity to say goodbye to the departed, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend who died at the age of 94 years.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the farewell ceremony included Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, his wife, Arabinrin Betty Akeredolu, the SSG to the Ondo state government, Princess Oladunni Odu, the deputy speaker, Ondo state house of assembly, Reverend Samuel Aderoboye, Ondo state APC chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin and former PDP chairman in Ondo state, Clement Faboyede.
Others included the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao and his wife, the commander Air force Ipetu-Ijesa, Captain Olayera, Senator Pius Akinyelure who was represented by his special Adviser on special duties, Mr. Ayodeji Idima, Ondo state president of National council of women society, Pastor (Mrs.) Jumoke Aborede, Chief Imam Igbara-Oke, Alhaji Adetiloye among others.
Some of the royal fathers include the Alaafin of Oyo kingdom, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola (Adeyemi III), Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, (Ojaja II), the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan; the Owa-Ale of Ikare Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adedoyin II; the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa,Oba Samson Adeleke Agunbiade III, and other royal fathers from the Southwest states.
The church service took place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Obada, Igbara-Oke and was attended by people from all walks of life.
In his sermon, Bishop Solomon Amure, who spoke on behalf of the Bishop of Akure diocese, Rt Reverend Simeon Borokini, likened the life of the deceased to the life of David in the bible.
The choirs of St. Timothy and St. Paul’s Anglican church, Igbara-Oke sang songs which were not only melodious but also preached vital messages about death and resurrection on judgement day.
Nigerian music icon, King Sunny Ade and his troop performed live before thrilled hosts and guests with his evergreen songs and mesmerizing beats.
His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, (Ogidi III), the Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom thanked everyone who came to honour his late father.
