By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
FLOODS of tears amid a heart-rending scene in Lokoja on Friday ensued as the remains of Dr Oluwakemi Mercy Emmanuel-Olowonubi, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), were laid to rest at her residence.
Dr Oluwakemi Mercy Emmanuel-Olownubi
Family members, colleagues, students, and friends wept uncontrollably as they bade farewell to the late academic, fondly described by her students as the “Mother of Theatre.”
Her remains
The burial drew a large crowd of mourners who came to pay their last respects to the woman many described as kind, humble, and dedicated to her work.
Deceased’s son
Leading the university community to the solemn event, the Vice-Chancellor of FUL, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, paid glowing tributes to Dr Emmanuel-Olowonubi, who was until her death the Deputy Dean of Students.
At the burial scene
He described her as an exemplary lecturer whose passion for her students and the department was unmatched.
Mourners at the burial scene
According to reports, Dr Emmanuel-Olowonubi lost her life in a tragic accident on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, along the busy and accident-prone Crusher-Felele Road in Lokoja, just four days after the university’s 9th convocation ceremony.
Crowd at the burial scene
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Tenimu Etuku, said the lecturer died after falling off a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada, and being struck by a speeding articulated vehicle that fled the scene.
A cleric admonishing the mourners
Etuku described the incident as “sad and unfortunate,” calling on motorists and motorcyclists to always exercise caution, especially along the dangerous Felele axis, which has recorded several fatal accidents in recent times.
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The tragic loss has thrown the entire university community into mourning, with many expressing shock over the sudden demise of a woman known for her warmth, mentorship, and selfless service.
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As her body was lowered into the ground, cries filled the air, echoing the grief of a community that will sorely miss her radiant smile and motherly guidance.
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