Dignitaries, clerics and traditional ruleve extolled the virtues of the late Alhaja Mujidat Arike Adepoju, wife of the Oniro of Otu, Oba Sunday Adepoju Ayilola Gbadewolu I, describing her as a woman whose life impacted positively on her family and society.
They also urged members of the public to embrace moral uprightness, humility and positive attitudinal change, stressing that death is inevitable and everyone would ultimately account for his or her stewardship before God.
The admonition was made at the eighth-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the deceased in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The interfaith gathering, which brought together Muslims and Christians, also provided an avenue for the community to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased, as well as demonstrate the unity and harmonious relationship among the people of Oke-Ogun.
Among those who attended were representatives of the Oyo State Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, including his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Barrister Hassan Ajibade, and Special Adviser on Online Media, Hon. Ajibade Waheed.
Also present were members of the Oke-Ogun Traditional Council of Obas, led by its secretary, the Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Michael Kofoworola Abodunrin Olakanla; the Chief Imam of Otu, Sheikh Yusuf Tijani Ayodabo; and representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Itesiwaju Local Government, including Rev. Dr M.O. Olabiyi, Rev. M.A. Adeagbo and Rev. S.O. Omidara.
Speaking on the life of the deceased, the Mufasir of Otu Land, Sheikh Yusuf Muh Nafiu, and Alfa Abdullahi Abdul Wahab, described her as a woman who lived a life of love, affection and service to her family and community.
They also highlighted the unusual bond between the Oniro, a Christian, and his late wife, a Muslim, describing their relationship as an example of religious tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Sheikh Yusuf said human existence was fundamentally about worshipping God and living a morally upright life.
He identified four principles as important to human existence, including the knowledge acquired by individuals, the good deeds of people in positions of authority, assistance rendered by the wealthy to the less privileged and the prayers of the poor and needy for society.
Alfa Abdul Wahab, while calling for greater moral consciousness among leaders and followers, urged members of the society to embrace positive change and reorientation.
Also speaking, Rev. M.A. Adeagbo, who preached on the theme, “The Fear of God,” urged the people to make the fear of God the foundation of their lives.
He noted that the world was constantly changing and that nothing was permanent, urging people to prepare for the end of their earthly journey.
“Death is inevitable and every soul will give account of its stewardship,” he said, stressing the need for individuals to turn a new leaf and live meaningful lives.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Michael Kofoworola Abodunrin Olakanla; the Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zaccheous Oladimeji Olatunji; the first wife of the monarch, Olori Adepoju Olabisi Caroline; Princess Eniola Adepoju Pius; and other dignitaries commiserated with the monarch and family.
They described the late Alhaja Adepoju as a woman of uncommon character whose contributions to her husband, family and society would remain memorable.
Representing the Acting Governor, Barrister Hassan Ajibade said Lawal had commended the deceased for her goodness, commitment, humility and devotion to her husband, family and community.
He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the Oniro and other members of the family the fortitude to bear the loss.