Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
AHEAD of the final funeral rites of Princess Esther Adefolakemi Arogunmasa, more tributes have continued to pour in, just as the programme of events has been released.
But in her glowing tributes, one of Mama’s daughters, Mrs Mercy Oguntimehin, who’s based in Jos, Plateau State, described the centenarian as her “Best Lady.”
Mercy, as she’s fondly called, said the premonition was in the air as of early August during the burial rites of Chief Oteji Olukayode that Princess Arogunmasa was at the departure lounge.
According to her, Mama Folake had profusely lamented over the sudden passage of Oteji and was questioning why God would take him away before her, thereby stripping him of superintending over her funeral rites being older in age.
“Mama Folake, my ‘best lady,’ who seriously guided and supported my mother during the burial of my grandmother, Alice Marinola Olukayode; since then, “Best Lady” became your name.
“Best Lady, you were such a kind-hearted person. We were together from 1st – 6th August, 2023 during the burial of my dear uncle, Chief Oteji Kayode.
“You lamented profusely over the demise of Oteji, asking why God should take him before you, that Oteji supposed to be the organiser of your funeral; so we concluded that God owns the key of life.
“We didn’t know that it will be this close, but our big mummy, Mrs Bimpe Osho, had the feelings; so she recorded your discussions.
“God is so gracious to you for this longevity in good health.
Greet my grand parents, Baba Jonah and Alice Marinola Olukayode, tell them their legacy is very much alive in us, God being our helper. TI GURE, Iya oboro,” Mrs Oguntimehin, bidded.
Meanwhile, the burial ceremony, tagged: Celebration of Life, has been slated for October 19 and 20, 2023.
The rites begin with a Praise Night on Wednesday October 18, followed by Christian Wake all holding at the Arogunmasa Compound, 61, Enibe, Ogori at 5:00p.m each day.
Burial service holds at 10:00a.m at The Cathedral of St. Peter, while reception holds at the Civic Center, Ogori, Kogi State, immediately after the Interment at the burial ground.
Stonix News reports that Princess Arogunmasa passed on September 12, 2023 at the very ripe age of 107.
