The Christian wake-keeping service for Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo was held on February 12, 2026, at the Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode bringing together children, grand chilldren, family members, church faithful, Muslim faithful, political leaders, traditional figures, and community stakeholders in solemn reflection and gratitude for a life widely described as exemplary.
From the outset, the tone of the evening was set not merely by mourning, but by deep reflection on life, legacy, and meaning.
In a thought-provoking sermon, Rev. Dr. John drew the congregation into a meditation on the inseparable
relationship between life and death.
“We are gathered here today because of death — but more importantly, we are gathered because of life. We are here because of what her life stood for.”
He spoke about the constant interplay
between death and life, noting that nearly everything human beings do — the pursuit of education, position, family,
community, and even conflict — is driven by the instinct to preserve life, even though death remains inevitable.
“What then will be said of us when our own time comes?” he asked quietly.
As the sermon progressed, the preacher drew a tender but memorable
connection between Mama’s name and the way she lived.
He reminded the congregation that Lucia means light emphasizing that, Mama lived as light.
Light in her home,Light in her church, Light in her community,Light in the lives of everyone she encountered.
He urged those present to leave not with the heaviness of death, but with the
brightness of that image.
“Let us go home remembering Mama as light,” he said, “and let us strive to become light ourselves.”
That message lingered as tributes followed;
Mama Onabanjo was described as God-fearing, God-loving, and God-serving.
Many referred to her as Iyálú and Iyẹ́níwà — a woman of virtue, admirable character, humility, and unity. These were not titles casually given, but honours earned through decades of consistency and integrity.
She was celebrated as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor, and a nurturing presence to many beyond her immediate family.
Also, speaking at the service, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, reflected on the moral lesson embedded in Mama’s life.
“We are here not just because she died, but because of what her life represents. Legacy is built not by position alone, but by character; not by power, but by service.” he said.
The governor explained that Mama was the wife of Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, and her role as matriarch continued to reflect values of service and unity long after his passing.
Also present was the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who took to her Facebook page to describe Mama
as a dedicated teacher, devoted wife, and nurturing mother whose quiet strength touched many lives.
“We reflected on a life well lived in service to family, community, and our dear Ogun State.” She stated.
The event drew a wide range of dignitaries, including former Governor Olusegun Osoba; Secretary to the State
Government Tokunbo Talabi; Chief of Staff Oluwatoyin Taiwo; former Deputy Governor (1999-2003) Adegbenga Kaka; Former Senator, Ogun East senatorial District, Lekan Mustapha (2019-2023) Honourable Member, House of Representatives, Ijebu Central Federal Constituency, Barrister Femi Ogunbanwo( Omo Iwa).
Traditional and community leadership was represented by the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu-Ode and Chairman of the Interregnum Council, Sonny Folorunsho Kuku; Chairman of the State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council and one of the pioneer Permanent Secretaries transferred to Ogun State upon its creation in 1976, Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo; and Local Government Chairman Dare Alebiosu among others.
The clergy was led by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Adesina, alongside Rev. Dr. John and other ministers. and the muslim community was represented by the Chief Imam of Ijebuode, Gbadegeshin Ayanbadejo
By the close of the evening, one message stood clear: though prompted by death, the gathering had become a celebration of a life whose light will continue to shine through generations.
Mama Lucia Onabanjo would be remembered as virtuous, humble, unifying, strong, faithful — and, as the preacher so memorably framed it, light.
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