Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the late former Minister of National Planning, Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, as a woman who made a significant impact during her lifetime.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting, recognizing, and celebrating distinguished sons and daughters of Ogun State for their invaluable contributions to the State’s growth and development.
Governor Abiodun made this known at the funeral service of Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayetoro, under the Diocese of Yewa Anglican Communion. Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Governor emphasized that individuals who dedicated their lives to service, integrity, and societal progress, like the late Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola, would continue to hold a place of honor in the State’s history.
Describing Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola as more than just a notable figure in Nigeria’s history, Governor Abiodun highlighted her trailblazing role as the country’s first female Cabinet Minister. He acknowledged her efforts in breaking barriers for women in governance and her service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, where she represented the nation with dignity and grace on the global stage.
“The contributions of Late Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola to Ogun State, particularly Yewaland, remain indelible. As the Iyalode of Yewaland, she was a mother, mentor, and pillar of strength to many. She championed gender equality, education, and socio-political inclusion long before they became mainstream concerns. Her life embodied resilience, vision, and commitment to justice and progress.
“For us as a State, her passing is a great loss, not just to her family but to Ogun State, Nigeria, and indeed the entire African continent. However, we take solace in the fact that she lived a life of impact, service, and dedication to the greater good of the people of the nation and humanity,” Governor Abiodun said.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of Yewa Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd. Dr. Michael Oluwarohunbi, drawing from Ecclesiastes 9:10, urged congregants to utilize their God-given talents for the benefit of humanity and the glory of God. He stressed that any unused gift would ultimately be lost, just as life itself ends when death calls.
He encouraged the attendees to emulate the late Chief (Mrs.) Oyagbola, who used her time, experience, wisdom, and resources to serve humanity and promote an exemplary life.
In an interview, Barrister Bayo Oyagbola, the first son of the deceased, eulogized his late mother’s virtues, emphasizing her integrity, steadfastness, and commitment to service. He noted that she positively impacted every life she encountered.
The funeral was attended by dignitaries from various walks of life, including the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Geoffrey Onyeama; former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kola Bajomo; renowned banker, Mr. Fola Adeola; members of the State Executive Council; elder statesmen and women; council chairmen; retired Permanent Secretaries from both State and Federal levels; and other notable Nigerians.
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