Dignitaries joined the former managing director and chief executive of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd and chairman of The Address Homes Bisi Onasanya on December 14 in burying his late mother, Selimot Onasanya (nee Folorunsho).
Mrs Onasanya died on November 18, 2023, at the age of 88.
The burial ceremony attracted the crème de la crème in business, government and social circles including Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, who led a delegation of his government to the event, former deputy governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga; her husband, Giwa Onanuga; and FirstBank, MD/CEO, Adesola Adeduntan.
Also present was the convener/CEO of Arise Women, Pastor Siju Iluyomade; Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, pastor-in-charge of RCCG, Region 20 and special assistant to the RCCG general overseer on Christian social responsibility, among others.
The two-day event commenced with a wake at the deceased’s residence in Ijede, Ikorodu, on December 13, 2023.
The events included a solemn church service at Abundant Life Baptist Church, Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos on Thursday, December 14, 2023, followed by a private interment ceremony at the Ikoyi Cemetery’s private wing.
Representatives of governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Abia joined other guests at a reception held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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Musician, Seun Bankole, popularly known as SB LIVE, and comedian Gbenga Adeyinka provided entertainment for the guests.
Speaking with reporters, Onasanya said his mum’s death was painful and that he would surely miss her as she was a caring, loving and accommodating Christian woman during her lifetime and would choose her as his mum if the opportunity presented itself again.
“No doubt I would choose her to be my mum, again and again. She was the sweetest mum you could ever ask for, I am still yet to recover from her loss even though we have now buried her. She was the epitome of courage, selflessness and service to humanity, everyone who knows her can attest to her impeccable character. She was a good Christian who loved her creator through her service to mankind. I am thankful and appreciate all of those who came here and those who sent their goodwill messages to celebrate our mother’s transition to glory,” he said.
“We are very proud of the life Mama lived,” Zamfara governor told journalists at the event. “Her service as a mother is reflected in the character and life of my former boss, Dr. Bisi Onasanya and his siblings. The enduring legacy of kindness, discipline, exemplary family values, godliness, and uprightness left by Mama will be fondly remembered by many.”
