Paul Tunde OGUNSANYA

It was indeed a celebration of a life well spent as faithful from far and near gathered at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Oke Ayo, Saki, Oyo State, for the Funeral Mass of Late Madam Florence Omoriyeba Ojo Ilori, who died on 16th of November, 2025 at the age of 75.

Despite the distance and prevailing economic challenges in the country, a large turnout was recorded as lay faithful from within and outside the Catholic Diocese of Oyo came together to honour the deceased. The Funeral Mass was graced by the presence of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, alongside the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola.

Also, in attendance were Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Medaiyedu, CMF, representing one of the grandchildren who is a Seminarian, priests from various dioceses, and religious men and women from different Congregations, all of whom came to pay their last respects to Mama Florence Omoriyeba Ojo Ilori.

In his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Martin Diipo Badejo described the late Mama Florence as a devoted Christian, a disciplinarian, and a caring mother. He reminded the congregation that God created man for eternal life, but through the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity lost that original grace. Nevertheless, in God’s divine plan, while the human body returns to the earth from which it was formed, the soul returns to its Creator—an ultimate fulfillment reflected in the gathering to commend the soul of the deceased to God.

The Chief Celebrant, Very Rev. Fr. Samson Babatunde Ojo, one of the sons of the deceased, expressed deep gratitude and joy over the massive turnout at his mother’s burial. In his appreciation speech, he thanked Bishop Emmanuel Badejo and everyone who supported the family through prayers, presence, and material assistance, which contributed immensely to the success of the burial ceremony.

The Funeral Mass was marked by solemn prayers, thanksgiving, and hope in the resurrection, as the Church commended Mama Florence Omoriyeba Ojo Ilori to the eternal mercy of God.

A reception also followed, where food and drinks were in abundance for the enjoyment of those present at the funeral ceremony.