St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Odo-Egbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, witnessed an emotional and historic moment on Friday, 13th February, as Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo was laid to rest during a solemn Mass of Christian Burial held within the cathedral premises still under construction.
What began as a farewell ceremony soon evolved into a defining moment for the Catholic community and the Onabanjo family, as Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, publicly committed to ensuring the completion of the cathedral before the end of 2026 — a pledge he described as a continuation of the late matriarch’s legacy even in death.
The governor noted that the Bishop’s insistence that the burial Mass be held at the unfinished cathedral carried a powerful message.
“I have no doubt of the Bishop’s intention of ensuring that we hold this farewell service here. It is not lost on me. Now, in the name of Mama, Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the Iya Ijo of this church, we will support the completion of this cathedral, so it can be an addition to her many legacies even in death. I will ensure the timely completion because I know that the Bishop has an occasion on his calendar. Lord Bishop, this church will be ready for your occasion.”
The declaration drew resounding applause, reframing the cathedral project — estimated to cost billions of naira — as both a tribute and a monument to Mama Lucia’s enduring faith and service.
The event witnessed an extraordinary roll call of national and state leaders, underscoring the stature of the late matriarch and the significance of the moment.
Recognised by the Governor was the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State and former Governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, CFR, whom he described as “our political father,” alongside his wife, Chief Mrs. Derinsola Osoba.
Members of the House of Representatives present included Hon. Barr. Femi Ogunbanwo (Ijebu Federal Constituency), Hon. Gbenga Nasiru Isiaka (Imeko Yewa North), Hon. Olumide Osoba (Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda), Hon. Tunji Akinosi (Ado-Odo/Ota), Hon. Ademorin Kuye (Somolu Federal Constituency, Lagos) and Hon. Biodun Akinlade (Yewa South/Ipokia).
Other senior government officials in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi (SSG); the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya (HOS); and the Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo. Also present were former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, and his wife, Alhaja Salmot Badru; Senator Segun Adesegun; and former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga.
Former Senators Lekan Mustapha (Ogun East), Adegbenga Kaka, Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central), and Akin Babalola Odunsi (Ogun West) were also in attendance. Members of the Ogun State Executive Council, former House of Representatives member Hon. Ladi Adebutu, APC Ogun State Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, Executive Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Hon. Dare Alebiosu, and Chairman of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council (GAC), Baba Olu Okuboyejo, were equally present.
Traditional and community leaders added cultural depth to the ceremony. Among them were the Ogbeni Oja, the Oloroogun of Ijebu Land, the Awujale Interregnum Committee Chairman, Chief Sonny Folorunsho Kuku, and the Asiwaju Onigbagbo, Otunba Funlola Okunowo, alongside many other eminent personalities.
Also in attendance were Former First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Doja Otedola, now 95 years old, widow of the late former Governor of Lagos State, Michael Agbolade Otedola; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Gbenga Daniel; former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and his wife; the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; and Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu representing Ogun Central.
The Mass featured a strong clerical presence led by The Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina. Also present were The Very Rev. Father Patrick K. Balogun (Vicar General), The Very Rev. Chuks Ezeigbo, Father Patrick Ogunbanwo, Very Rev. Mary Odunsi and numerous other ministers of God.
In his remarks, Bishop Francis expressed profound gratitude to the Ogun State Government, noting that the successful hosting of the funeral within the cathedral premises was made possible through the governor’s intervention.
“I will like to thank the executive governor for those eloquent words of encouragement and the promise made publicly to our church community on the occasion of the funeral of Mama Lucia Onabanjo. I will like to say publicly here that Ogun State government under the leadership of our executive governor has supported immensely the family of Onabanjo and the Catholic community of the cathedral so well so that we are able to host this funeral in this church”
“If you were here two to three days ago, you would doubt if we would be able to sit here conveniently from the top to the seats you are sitting in and to many other things that have been achieved. I want to thank your protocol officer who worked hand in hand with us to make sure everything is done.”
For many observers, the ceremony was not only a farewell but a political, spiritual and historical convergence — one that may ultimately see the cathedral completed as a permanent structure bearing the weight of memory, faith and legacy.
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