Thomas Abolarin from ErukuCity bids a final farewell to his mother with love and gratitude
… Tribute to her profound influence and enduring spirit
~By Fabiyi Oluwaseun
In Yorubaland, there is a common prayer saying that signifies our desire to have good children who will provide us with a dignified burial after we pass on
The assertion above epitomizes the collective efforts of the children of the late Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro of ErukuCity in Kwara State, led by Canadian-based Thomas Abolarin, who organized a week-long funeral ceremony befitting their beloved mother who passed away on the 23rd of February 2024 at the age of 102 years.
This tribute honors the extraordinary life of Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was marked by fulfillment and outstanding achievements, serving as a testament to the special favor and kindness of the Almighty God in her life and that of her children
Mama Elopo Iye Rere, fondly called, was a good mother endowed by God with many laudable virtues, a good life, good breeding, firmness of purpose, and unfailing graciousness at all times. Children and families, including her associates, can attest that she was a woman of exemplary moral fibre
Mama Akerekoro was indeed a great and renowned daughter of Erukucity, whose life was not obscure, while her achievements remain outstanding, and her substantial and immense contributions to the growth of the community persist
Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro, also known as Iya elepo, iya rere, was a prominent figure within the Gaa Akanbi axis of Ilorin, the state capital of Kwara State. Her exemplary Christian lifestyle left a lasting legacy at Holy Family Catholic Church, situated at Gaa Akanbi, Ilorin, where she was honored and invested as “Iya Rere” (Good Mother), a title she held until her death. Although she lived to the ripe age of 102, her departure was deeply felt by the church priest and members, who greatly miss her. Her legacy is indeed worthy of emulation
In addition, this led the entire children and family of the late Madam Mary Oyinlola Abolarin Akerekoro to eulogize her using the word of God in paying tribute to a remarkable mother, great-grandmother, abiyamo toto, a woman of vision who served God and humanity wholeheartedly and throughout her life without blemish
Thomas Abolarin Akerekoro provided further testimony that Mama served her generation with merit. She completed the race with integrity and a crown of righteousness is laid up for her. Rest in peace, my beloved mummy, great-grandmother, Veronica iye elepo iya rere
To recap: A one-week burial ceremony will commence on Saturday, 14th December 2024, with a remarkable thanksgiving service at Holy Family Catholic Church, Gaa Akanbi Ilorin at 10 O’clock sharp, followed by entertainment of guests at Atlantic Events Place, Ilorin
However, other burial activities befitting her are ongoing at Eruku City, her hometown in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State within the community, and will run through week-long events
The Grand Finale is scheduled for Sunday, 21st December 2024, commencing with a special family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, at 10:00 a.m. sharp. This will be followed by a reception and entertainment of guests at St. Cyprian’s football field, featuring the renowned juju highlife musician, IfeBright, who will thrill the audience at both Atlantic Events Center, Ilorin
Lastly, BethNews Media publisher Oluwaseun Fabiyi observed that robust security measures were fully implemented to ensure the safety of guests, friends, and family at the event
Watch for exclusive images of the event from BethNews Media.