BY LAW IBITOYE
Tolu Ibi Oluwatoba, the Chairman of 101 Longe and Resort, Ado-Ekiti, and a notable business mogul laid his beloved mother to rest in a befitting and heartfelt ceremony in Ilupeju-Ekiti on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The final burial rites, which spanned three days, drew impressive array of dignitaries, captains of industry, notable politicians , royal fathers, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and in the diaspora. The event was not only a moment of reflection and celebration of a matriarch’s impactful life but also a testament to the high esteem in which the Oluwatoba family held.
The grand reception, held after the funeral service, was the highlight of the final day’s events, Renowned gospel singer Yinka Ayefele set the atmosphere ( IBUDUN HALL) aglow with a soul-stirring and energetic performance that kept the guests on their feet in celebration.
The serene town of Ilupeju-Ekiti came alive as luxury convoys, colorful traditional displays, and heartwarming tributes poured in to honor a life well lived, every moment of the event reflected the strength, dignity, and grace of the late matriarch.
In his brief remarks, Tolu Ibi Oluwatoba expressed profound gratitude to all who graced the occasion, saying, “We are overwhelmed by the love and support shown to our family during this time. My mother was a woman of virtue, and I’m thankful she’s being celebrated in such a beautiful way.”
The ceremony was a blend of tradition, elegance, and unity, that will long be remembered in the annals of Ilupeju-Ekiti’s history as a fitting farewell to a cherished mother and matriarch, late Margaret Olufunke Oluwatoba.
There are long lists of dignitaries who stormed Ilupeju Ekiti for the burial ceremony of IBOF mother from Wednesday to Saturday night; among them were: The Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade, handful numbers of Apeju- in- Council, other royal fathers, philanthropist based in South Africa, the Chairman of LAABEY Group of Companies, Mr Abiodun Oniyelu, Otunba Lekan Oyebanji, A ranking House of Rep member, Hon Femi Bamisile, former House of Representatives member, Hon Bimbo DARAMOLA, Ekiti RAAMP Coordinator, Hon Sunday Jejewlowo Adunmo, Hon IDOWU Odebunmi representing Oye Constituency 2 in EKHA, former member, EKHA, Oye 2, Hon Yemi Osatuyi, Chairmen Oye Lg and Ifeloju LCDA Ilupeju Ekiti, Hon Clara Bamisile and Hon Olusola Michael Oniyelu,SA to Gov Oyebanji on Gender empowerment and Mobilization, chief Mrs KEMI Olaleye and other top Government functionaries, AY Niger, Nice and others graced the occasion.
