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| Another part of the candle lighted altar for late (Chief) Mrs. Adunni Bankole |
If the heaven could be opened for just an hour and the celestial
curtains drawn apart for late socialite and philanthropist extra-ordinary Chief (Mrs.) Adetayo Adunni Bankole to
see the happenings in honor of her funeral on Tuesday 13th and
Wednesday 14th of January 2015, she would have had nothing more to
say than to wear her characteristic angelic smile which is the symbol of her charming
personality while on planet earth.
She would have smiled and if possible laughed
and dance for the kind of eulogies and encomium
poured on her person in death by the cream of personalities who graced
the event of her wake keep which took place at Anchor Event Center off Lateef
Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja,
Lagos-South West Nigeria. The event which started at 5pm on Tuesday 13th
of January had the who is who in the Nigerian Media sector in attendance coupled with the presence of
friends, colleagues, well-wishers and children of the deceased. Her husband, Chief Alani Suara Bankole, the Oluwo of Iporo Sodeke and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egba-Land was in
attendance. It was the only event her husband whose marriage with her was going
through some turbulence attended after her demise. Your Africa’s Number 1 Celebrity Encounter
blog Asabeafrika was there to feed
you with happenings from the event. Enjoy!
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| Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s children, Mopelola, Mojadesola and Oluwatoyin |
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| Deaconess Oby Solaja of the Daughters of Zion Department of Triumphant Christian Center giving testimony of late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s generosity to the church |
An altar for the Apostolic Mother
Getting
into the one thousand seating capacity Anchor-Events
center, the organizers partitioned the place into both a church and a
social atmosphere. The entire interior section was decorated in the color white
and blue. However, the most catching experiment was the celestially designed
candle lighted altar that was made in the front row of the hall where the late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s lovely pictures
were displayed amidst lighted candles (Almost a hundred candles) burning and
giving the arena a sacred look which is synonymous to the ascension of great
apostles. Unknown to some people the late Chief
Mrs. Adunni Bankole despite her several chieftaincy laurels in over 16
kingdoms in Yoruba land jettisoned all for Christ in the last days of her life
as she embraced Jesus Christ as her
Lord and Savior. Apart from visiting the Holy land of Jerusalem couple of years
back and earning the distinctive title of Justice
of Peace (JP), the late Iyalode of Gbagura land, Yeye Mokun of Owu Kingdom, Iya Eso of Oke-Odan and Iyalaje
of Ikeja land went to a Bible school
where she earned a degree in Theology. She was equally made the Apostolic Mother of the Dr. Niran Aluko led Cherubim and Seraphim, Savior’s Ministries Worldwide church. She is an old patron
of the church and that was what necessitated the organizers to erect such a
befitting altar that depicts her apostolic bearings.
into the one thousand seating capacity Anchor-Events
center, the organizers partitioned the place into both a church and a
social atmosphere. The entire interior section was decorated in the color white
and blue. However, the most catching experiment was the celestially designed
candle lighted altar that was made in the front row of the hall where the late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s lovely pictures
were displayed amidst lighted candles (Almost a hundred candles) burning and
giving the arena a sacred look which is synonymous to the ascension of great
apostles. Unknown to some people the late Chief
Mrs. Adunni Bankole despite her several chieftaincy laurels in over 16
kingdoms in Yoruba land jettisoned all for Christ in the last days of her life
as she embraced Jesus Christ as her
Lord and Savior. Apart from visiting the Holy land of Jerusalem couple of years
back and earning the distinctive title of Justice
of Peace (JP), the late Iyalode of Gbagura land, Yeye Mokun of Owu Kingdom, Iya Eso of Oke-Odan and Iyalaje
of Ikeja land went to a Bible school
where she earned a degree in Theology. She was equally made the Apostolic Mother of the Dr. Niran Aluko led Cherubim and Seraphim, Savior’s Ministries Worldwide church. She is an old patron
of the church and that was what necessitated the organizers to erect such a
befitting altar that depicts her apostolic bearings.
“Last time my mum came to see me in
school in the United Kingdom, we took a walk together and we came into a
charity store and I bought a book the name of the book is Gipy boy and the book said “No
one should rest until they have given their mother a eulogy”.
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| Chief Alani Bankole in a tete-a-tete with son, Owolabi Bankole Jnr. |
Those who did what
The
Tuesday January 13th Wake Keep cum service of songs ceremony which
took place at the Anchor Event Center was partly organized by
the Reverend S.O Olubiyo led Triumphant Christian Center (TCC) a
Nigerian church situated near The
Balmorals Event Center, off Kudirat
Abiola road, Oregun, Ikeja Lagos South West Nigeria. The late Iyalode
Adunni Bankole had her Bible College training which earned her the
title of an Apostolic Mother at the
Church’s Bible Institute. She was
actually said to have contributed her own quota to some aspect of the church
development and equally attended the church and was equally a member of the
daughter of Zion group at TCC between 2009 and 2011 before she moved to her
newly built apartment in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos. The Church’s team led by Pastor Akin Ayanwale and a team of
choir men and women conducted the early segment of the Wake Keeping service.
Other groups who were involved in the organization of the event are young media
executives under the leadership of On-Air-Personality Soji Omotayo (SOJ) and some colleagues which included Nollywood
actress Feranmi Ekisola, Yinka Junaid and children of the
deceased. The event started early as the
compound was already filled with exotic cars few minutes after 5pm
Tuesday January 13th Wake Keep cum service of songs ceremony which
took place at the Anchor Event Center was partly organized by
the Reverend S.O Olubiyo led Triumphant Christian Center (TCC) a
Nigerian church situated near The
Balmorals Event Center, off Kudirat
Abiola road, Oregun, Ikeja Lagos South West Nigeria. The late Iyalode
Adunni Bankole had her Bible College training which earned her the
title of an Apostolic Mother at the
Church’s Bible Institute. She was
actually said to have contributed her own quota to some aspect of the church
development and equally attended the church and was equally a member of the
daughter of Zion group at TCC between 2009 and 2011 before she moved to her
newly built apartment in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos. The Church’s team led by Pastor Akin Ayanwale and a team of
choir men and women conducted the early segment of the Wake Keeping service.
Other groups who were involved in the organization of the event are young media
executives under the leadership of On-Air-Personality Soji Omotayo (SOJ) and some colleagues which included Nollywood
actress Feranmi Ekisola, Yinka Junaid and children of the
deceased. The event started early as the
compound was already filled with exotic cars few minutes after 5pm
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| Some Nolywood Actresses singing an anthem at the wake keeping ceremony in honor of late Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Bankole |
The Iyalode’s T-Shirt
One
of the freebies at the event was the specially decorated T-Shirt in honor of
the great woman, Iyalode Adunni Bankole
which was freely given to guests who managed to have come early for the event.
The shirt which has the beautiful face of the late socialite at the front with
her name “Chief Mrs. Adetayo Adunni
Bankole” (Nee Adebowale) inscribed on it with another inscription “Goodnight
Mummy”
written at the back of it was very limited as only few guests which include
journalists and entertainers got a piece and wore immediately at the occasion.
The T-shirt was shared by on air-personality Soji Omotayo who ensured top journalists and entertainers got their
own T-shirts before anyone else.
of the freebies at the event was the specially decorated T-Shirt in honor of
the great woman, Iyalode Adunni Bankole
which was freely given to guests who managed to have come early for the event.
The shirt which has the beautiful face of the late socialite at the front with
her name “Chief Mrs. Adetayo Adunni
Bankole” (Nee Adebowale) inscribed on it with another inscription “Goodnight
Mummy”
written at the back of it was very limited as only few guests which include
journalists and entertainers got a piece and wore immediately at the occasion.
The T-shirt was shared by on air-personality Soji Omotayo who ensured top journalists and entertainers got their
own T-shirts before anyone else.
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| Young Female emterpreneurs shedding tears for a great mother while Mopelola was delivering her tribute |
Juju Music Icon YK Ajao storm event
with first daughter
This
was probably the first time the Juju Makossa king, Dr. YK Ajao will step into a high
profile event with his first child and pretty daughter, Mrs. Fatima Disu. The highly gifted Juju music maestro was one of
the early callers who stormed the wake keeping ceremony with retinue of aides
which includes his Manager, Tajudeen
Abiola and Deputy Manager, Kazeem
Abule. Mrs. Fatima Disu who is
said to be very close to her father was seen monitoring and aiding her dad
around the hall anytime the Juju Makossa crooner stood up to
recognize dignitaries.
was probably the first time the Juju Makossa king, Dr. YK Ajao will step into a high
profile event with his first child and pretty daughter, Mrs. Fatima Disu. The highly gifted Juju music maestro was one of
the early callers who stormed the wake keeping ceremony with retinue of aides
which includes his Manager, Tajudeen
Abiola and Deputy Manager, Kazeem
Abule. Mrs. Fatima Disu who is
said to be very close to her father was seen monitoring and aiding her dad
around the hall anytime the Juju Makossa crooner stood up to
recognize dignitaries.
“I know that my mum knew a lot of
people and she was a good person but I also want to ask, because we are human
and we are prone to ere anytime, if my mum offended you anytime during her
life, I am sure she didn’t mean it and even if she meant it, please find it in
your heart to forgive her”
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| More Female mourners at the event |
Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s friends in
sorrowful mood
Most
of them had never celebrated a bad moment with Adunni Bankole during her lifetime as what they knew about the late
Iyalode was nothing but a lively
mood and celebration at all moments but on this very day (January 13)
everything turned sad for them as they had to mourn the very woman who seems to
bind all of them with fanfare Chief
(Mrs.) Adunni Bankole. The roll call had very important names like Aisha Guobadia who was one of the very
first people to arrive the venue; Hajia
Fateema Mohammed who helped Iyalode’s first daughter Toyin Bankole (Mama Sultan) and her siblings coordinate events on
the home front and ensured emotional supports were given wherever it was needed.
Others are Chief (Mrs.) Tai Elemosho aka
Montai, Mrs.
Abiola Atanda (Madam Kofo), Toyin
Atobatele (Wendys) Nollywood Actress Iyabo
Ojo, Female Celebrity Journalist Kemi
Akinyemi, Mrs. Fola Olatokun, Honorable (Chief) Mrs. Idera Oshinusi Martins, Chief (Mrs.) Taiwo Adebiyi , Yinka Adewunmi of Catwalks Studio, Entertainment
Consultant, Tessy Alero Yembra, Chief (Mrs) Aminat Alatishe and a host
of others too numerous to mention. They all came, shed tears, listened to the
sermon and eulogies and left. For all of them, it was a very sad evening but
the Preacher Pastor Akin Ayanwale of
TCC enjoined all never to cry but
rejoice for Adunni Bankole died in Christ Jesus
of them had never celebrated a bad moment with Adunni Bankole during her lifetime as what they knew about the late
Iyalode was nothing but a lively
mood and celebration at all moments but on this very day (January 13)
everything turned sad for them as they had to mourn the very woman who seems to
bind all of them with fanfare Chief
(Mrs.) Adunni Bankole. The roll call had very important names like Aisha Guobadia who was one of the very
first people to arrive the venue; Hajia
Fateema Mohammed who helped Iyalode’s first daughter Toyin Bankole (Mama Sultan) and her siblings coordinate events on
the home front and ensured emotional supports were given wherever it was needed.
Others are Chief (Mrs.) Tai Elemosho aka
Montai, Mrs.
Abiola Atanda (Madam Kofo), Toyin
Atobatele (Wendys) Nollywood Actress Iyabo
Ojo, Female Celebrity Journalist Kemi
Akinyemi, Mrs. Fola Olatokun, Honorable (Chief) Mrs. Idera Oshinusi Martins, Chief (Mrs.) Taiwo Adebiyi , Yinka Adewunmi of Catwalks Studio, Entertainment
Consultant, Tessy Alero Yembra, Chief (Mrs) Aminat Alatishe and a host
of others too numerous to mention. They all came, shed tears, listened to the
sermon and eulogies and left. For all of them, it was a very sad evening but
the Preacher Pastor Akin Ayanwale of
TCC enjoined all never to cry but
rejoice for Adunni Bankole died in Christ Jesus
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| Celebrity Blogger Gbenga Dan Asabe, Veteran Actress & Gele Expert Madam Kofo with Mr. Paul Ukpabio of The Nation Newspaper |
How Madam Kofo undressed a friend for
Adunni Bankole
The
scenario was indeed funny but it just had to play out at such a gathering. It
was during the arrival of one of the deceased’s friends, Mrs. Tola Olatokun of Fantastic
Nails Studio Ltd, the very beautiful and charming woman had arrived with
all her items of fashion like bangles, earrings and necklaces still on her, but
to the surprise of all including entertainment consultant, Tessy Alero Yembra, the entire items were removed by no other
person than the Headgear expert Madam Kofo
(Mrs. Abiola Atanda) Her reasons? ‘You don’t dress over kill to a wake keeping
service where a friend is being mourned’ and what happened? The woman quickly
complied and removed everything from her necklace to finger rings, bangles and earrings.
Madam Kofo was sighted at the reception of the event center helping the fair
complexioned Tola Olatokun remove
her body wares.
scenario was indeed funny but it just had to play out at such a gathering. It
was during the arrival of one of the deceased’s friends, Mrs. Tola Olatokun of Fantastic
Nails Studio Ltd, the very beautiful and charming woman had arrived with
all her items of fashion like bangles, earrings and necklaces still on her, but
to the surprise of all including entertainment consultant, Tessy Alero Yembra, the entire items were removed by no other
person than the Headgear expert Madam Kofo
(Mrs. Abiola Atanda) Her reasons? ‘You don’t dress over kill to a wake keeping
service where a friend is being mourned’ and what happened? The woman quickly
complied and removed everything from her necklace to finger rings, bangles and earrings.
Madam Kofo was sighted at the reception of the event center helping the fair
complexioned Tola Olatokun remove
her body wares.
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| Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s siblings, the Adesidas and Adebowales during the Wake Keeping Service |
Meet Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s 7
brothers
It
is noteworthy here to reveal a bit of Iyalode
Adunni Bankole’s mother, Princess
Gbemi Adesida’s profile to ensure total education. The 79 years old Princess Gbemi Adesida who is equally
the Iyalode of Owu Kingdom had the grace of having kids
for two great men in the course of her marriage life with Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s
father, Mr. Adebowale as her first
husband while Prince Adesida a
royalty from Ondo state who is a member of the royal families of the Adesida of Akure was her second
husband. Iyalode Adunni Bankole is her first child from her
first marriage to Mr. Adebowale. The
late Iyalode equally has three younger brothers from same father while she got
three other younger brothers from her step father, Prince Adesida. The names of Iyalode
Adunni Bankole’s seven siblings are Adeniyi
Adebowale, Oluyomi Adebowale and
Adetunji Adebowale. Others are Adewale Adesida, Tokunbo Aiyekoti, Adebayo
Adesida and Adeleke Adesida. All of them both showed love
and unity to the memory of their big sister, Iyalode by wearing the same apparel and seating on the same front
role beside their in-law Chief Alani Bankole.
is noteworthy here to reveal a bit of Iyalode
Adunni Bankole’s mother, Princess
Gbemi Adesida’s profile to ensure total education. The 79 years old Princess Gbemi Adesida who is equally
the Iyalode of Owu Kingdom had the grace of having kids
for two great men in the course of her marriage life with Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s
father, Mr. Adebowale as her first
husband while Prince Adesida a
royalty from Ondo state who is a member of the royal families of the Adesida of Akure was her second
husband. Iyalode Adunni Bankole is her first child from her
first marriage to Mr. Adebowale. The
late Iyalode equally has three younger brothers from same father while she got
three other younger brothers from her step father, Prince Adesida. The names of Iyalode
Adunni Bankole’s seven siblings are Adeniyi
Adebowale, Oluyomi Adebowale and
Adetunji Adebowale. Others are Adewale Adesida, Tokunbo Aiyekoti, Adebayo
Adesida and Adeleke Adesida. All of them both showed love
and unity to the memory of their big sister, Iyalode by wearing the same apparel and seating on the same front
role beside their in-law Chief Alani Bankole.
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| Late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s siblings during the wake keep service |
The Times Square brothers came
They are the owners of Time Square Events Center at the Seriki-Aro Area of Ikeja (Adjacent
Jolly Friend Hotel). Their names are Akinlolu
Akinbolagbe and Muyiwa Akinbolagbe.
They came very early to the Wake Keep and never left in a hurry
Jolly Friend Hotel). Their names are Akinlolu
Akinbolagbe and Muyiwa Akinbolagbe.
They came very early to the Wake Keep and never left in a hurry
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| Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s grandson, Sultan Onilenla |
Security expert, Scooba too
Another
big boy who stormed the event for the good memory of Iyalode
Adunni Bankole is the handsome and dynamic security door expert and boss of
Scooba Security Doors Ltd, Olufemi James Adejuwon. Olufemi Adejuwon who was one of the beneficiaries of the Late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s large heart
while alive came very early to the wake keep with his pretty wife who is
equally the Chief Operating Officer of the No 2 Afariogun Ikeja, Lagos South
West Nigeria based security door company. Scooba
as fondly called by friends and well-wishers was all over the occasion and
really mourned a woman he described as “an impeccable mother” in her lifetime. Scooba Security Doors Ltd is into the
production of Security Doors, Wooden Doors, Customized Doors, Access Control
Doors, Security Locks, Aluminum and other Security Inhalations. The company is
a subsidiary of First Scooba Investment
Ltd.
big boy who stormed the event for the good memory of Iyalode
Adunni Bankole is the handsome and dynamic security door expert and boss of
Scooba Security Doors Ltd, Olufemi James Adejuwon. Olufemi Adejuwon who was one of the beneficiaries of the Late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s large heart
while alive came very early to the wake keep with his pretty wife who is
equally the Chief Operating Officer of the No 2 Afariogun Ikeja, Lagos South
West Nigeria based security door company. Scooba
as fondly called by friends and well-wishers was all over the occasion and
really mourned a woman he described as “an impeccable mother” in her lifetime. Scooba Security Doors Ltd is into the
production of Security Doors, Wooden Doors, Customized Doors, Access Control
Doors, Security Locks, Aluminum and other Security Inhalations. The company is
a subsidiary of First Scooba Investment
Ltd.
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| The Oluwo of Iporo Sodeke & Seriki Jagunmolu of Egba-Land, Chief Alani Suara Bankole |
And the widower stepped in at 5:21pm
That
was the exact time, Chief Alani Suara
Bankole the widower stepped in. Chief
Bankole who was alleged to be coming straight from his Abeokuta, Ogun state
South West Nigeria abode was escorted into the venue by a retinue of aides in
company of his scion and late Chief
(Mrs.) Adunni Bankole’s only son, Owolabi
Mohammed Bankole Jnr. Owolabi
who was adorning the same white apparel with his dad led the Bankole Patriarch
to the front row where he was welcomed by some dignitaries which include Apostle Dave Salako a former Federal
House of Representative member turned clergy and Honorable Demola Doherty former Ifako-Ijaiye LGA Chairman. The Oluwo Iporo Sodeke and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egba-land and his aides
were later led to his seat where a mobile police orderly stood behind him all
through the event.
was the exact time, Chief Alani Suara
Bankole the widower stepped in. Chief
Bankole who was alleged to be coming straight from his Abeokuta, Ogun state
South West Nigeria abode was escorted into the venue by a retinue of aides in
company of his scion and late Chief
(Mrs.) Adunni Bankole’s only son, Owolabi
Mohammed Bankole Jnr. Owolabi
who was adorning the same white apparel with his dad led the Bankole Patriarch
to the front row where he was welcomed by some dignitaries which include Apostle Dave Salako a former Federal
House of Representative member turned clergy and Honorable Demola Doherty former Ifako-Ijaiye LGA Chairman. The Oluwo Iporo Sodeke and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egba-land and his aides
were later led to his seat where a mobile police orderly stood behind him all
through the event.
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| Media Greats |
A household of Publishers & Media
Practitioners
If
anyone was trying to do a documentary on leading practitioners in the Nigerian
Soft-Sell magazine industry and the person misses the Wake Keep ceremony of Iyalode Adunni Bankole, then such a
project may have just lost its biggest opportunity to fly as the who-is-who in
the Nigerian soft sell industry closed the day for a woman reputed to be the
real mother of the Soft-Sell Media. The name ranges from Lord Mayor Akinpelu, Publisher of Global Excellence Magazine:
Mr. Kunle Bakare, Publisher of Encomium
Magazine and Dr. Seye Kehinde
Publisher of City People Magazine. Others are Mr. Dayo Asaju,
Publisher of First Weekly Magazine: Mr.
Loye Amzat, Publisher, News of the People Magazine, Mr. Biodun Kuponiyi Publisher of E-24/7
magazine, Mr. Tunde Moshood,
Publisher Enquirer Magazine and Mr. Kunle Rasheed, Editor, Global Excellence Magazine. Mr. Michael Effiong of Ovation International Magazine represented Chief Dele Momodu who was on a global tour and couldn’t attend the
event.
anyone was trying to do a documentary on leading practitioners in the Nigerian
Soft-Sell magazine industry and the person misses the Wake Keep ceremony of Iyalode Adunni Bankole, then such a
project may have just lost its biggest opportunity to fly as the who-is-who in
the Nigerian soft sell industry closed the day for a woman reputed to be the
real mother of the Soft-Sell Media. The name ranges from Lord Mayor Akinpelu, Publisher of Global Excellence Magazine:
Mr. Kunle Bakare, Publisher of Encomium
Magazine and Dr. Seye Kehinde
Publisher of City People Magazine. Others are Mr. Dayo Asaju,
Publisher of First Weekly Magazine: Mr.
Loye Amzat, Publisher, News of the People Magazine, Mr. Biodun Kuponiyi Publisher of E-24/7
magazine, Mr. Tunde Moshood,
Publisher Enquirer Magazine and Mr. Kunle Rasheed, Editor, Global Excellence Magazine. Mr. Michael Effiong of Ovation International Magazine represented Chief Dele Momodu who was on a global tour and couldn’t attend the
event.
 |
| The Altar with over hundred candles erected for late Chief (Mrs) Adunni Bankole during her Wake Keeping ceremony |
 |
| Chief Alani Bankole with daughters, Mopelola Jato & Modesola Bankole with his grandson, Sultan Oluwadarasimi Onilenla |
No Event until deceased children
arrives…
That
was the announcement from one of the organizers; Soji Omotayo few minutes after the widower, Chief Alani Bankole took his seat at the VIP session of the hall.
The announcement became necessary as the venue had become filled with
dignitaries who were already looking up to the event to kick start. But the
organizers said it was necessary for the entire crowd of guests to honor the
presence of the deceased’s children hence the waiting game continued until the
arrival of Mama Sultan, the deceased’s first child.
was the announcement from one of the organizers; Soji Omotayo few minutes after the widower, Chief Alani Bankole took his seat at the VIP session of the hall.
The announcement became necessary as the venue had become filled with
dignitaries who were already looking up to the event to kick start. But the
organizers said it was necessary for the entire crowd of guests to honor the
presence of the deceased’s children hence the waiting game continued until the
arrival of Mama Sultan, the deceased’s first child.
 |
| Some top Gbagura Chiefs at the event with other mouners at the background |
 |
| Oluwatoyin Bankole, Mama Sultan |
The arrival of Mama Sultan…
Since
the demise of her mum, Toyin Bankole
the first daughter of the deceased had suddenly assumed a new leadership and
motherly role among her siblings. Despite the challenges and the demands of her
new role, the beautiful mother of late Iyalode
Adunni Bankole’s first and only grand son, Sultan had tried to keep her cool since the sudden demise of her
beautiful mother on Saturday January 3rd 2015. She was ushered into
the venue at exactly 5:38pm some minutes after her father and his aides took
their seats. Toyin and her siblings,
Mopelola who wedded on the day the
great Iyalode left planet earth and Mojadesola, the last born and her son, Sultan Oluwadarasimi were looking
regale in their white attires despite the mood of the occasion.
the demise of her mum, Toyin Bankole
the first daughter of the deceased had suddenly assumed a new leadership and
motherly role among her siblings. Despite the challenges and the demands of her
new role, the beautiful mother of late Iyalode
Adunni Bankole’s first and only grand son, Sultan had tried to keep her cool since the sudden demise of her
beautiful mother on Saturday January 3rd 2015. She was ushered into
the venue at exactly 5:38pm some minutes after her father and his aides took
their seats. Toyin and her siblings,
Mopelola who wedded on the day the
great Iyalode left planet earth and Mojadesola, the last born and her son, Sultan Oluwadarasimi were looking
regale in their white attires despite the mood of the occasion.
 |
| Chief Mourner, Barrister Olaposi Oladigba with wife Abimbola Oladigba and Pastor Akin Ayanwale of TCC |
 |
| Adunni Bankole’s grandson, Sultan Oluwadarasimi Onilenla |
Tribute galore….
The
Senior Pastor from Triumphant Christian
Center (TCC), Pastor Akin Ayanwale took
charge of the event after a music rendition from the church choir. The Pastor
who charged everybody in the hall not to cry but celebrate ‘because Adunni Bankole is in a happy
environment with God’ later gave 5 people a chance to say something about the
deceased. The first person was Mrs.
Mopelola Jato the deceased’s second daughter who did her wedding on the day
she died. The second person is the deceased’s last daughter, Modesola Bankole and the deceased’s
younger brother, Niyi Adebowale.
Others were deceased’s best friend of many years and a church friend Deaconess Oby Solaja who shared the
same department, Daughter of Zion with the Iyalode in her life time. Although
the Pastor warned that he will take the Microphone off the hand of anyone that
cried but he couldn’t honor his vow when Mopelola
Jato stormed the stage.
Senior Pastor from Triumphant Christian
Center (TCC), Pastor Akin Ayanwale took
charge of the event after a music rendition from the church choir. The Pastor
who charged everybody in the hall not to cry but celebrate ‘because Adunni Bankole is in a happy
environment with God’ later gave 5 people a chance to say something about the
deceased. The first person was Mrs.
Mopelola Jato the deceased’s second daughter who did her wedding on the day
she died. The second person is the deceased’s last daughter, Modesola Bankole and the deceased’s
younger brother, Niyi Adebowale.
Others were deceased’s best friend of many years and a church friend Deaconess Oby Solaja who shared the
same department, Daughter of Zion with the Iyalode in her life time. Although
the Pastor warned that he will take the Microphone off the hand of anyone that
cried but he couldn’t honor his vow when Mopelola
Jato stormed the stage.
 |
| One of Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s friend giving testimony of her goodness while leaving |
Why I cried on my wedding
day—Daughter, Mopelola
Many people were anxious to hear her speak;
Yes, Mopelola, the beautiful banker
daughter of late Iyalode Adunni Bankole
was the one who witnessed the tragedy of losing a mother on her wedding day and
she didn’t disappoint the crowd with the kind of eulogy she dished out to her
late great mother. She noted with a shrill temper “I recalled I wept a number
of times on my wedding day and when people asked me I said I wished my mum was
here because she really wanted this day. She has planned and she has waited for
that day but it doesn’t matter because that is how God made it to be”
Yes, Mopelola, the beautiful banker
daughter of late Iyalode Adunni Bankole
was the one who witnessed the tragedy of losing a mother on her wedding day and
she didn’t disappoint the crowd with the kind of eulogy she dished out to her
late great mother. She noted with a shrill temper “I recalled I wept a number
of times on my wedding day and when people asked me I said I wished my mum was
here because she really wanted this day. She has planned and she has waited for
that day but it doesn’t matter because that is how God made it to be”
“How a blogger spoilt my honey-moon”
Mope continued with her
emotional tribute which saw her emotion shuttling between crying and talking.
She recalled with a pained voice how a leading celebrity blogger (Name
withheld) broke her heart few days after the sad demise of her mum “I remembered
few days after my wedding, a friend called me that somebody put it on her blog
that “What would you do if your mum died
on the morning of your wedding?”
Mope narrated further how the entire story shattered her emotions and how she
eventually handled it “My initial reaction was anger; that why will she do
that? That she is so insensitive. Then I sat down and I prayed for her and my
prayer for her and for everybody that made a comment, I know a lot of people
said ‘God forbid’, it can’t happen. People said all sorts of things. My prayer
for her (blogger) that day is that ‘she
will never know the answer to that question’ because if she knows the
answer to the question, she will go through what I had to go through that day”
emotional tribute which saw her emotion shuttling between crying and talking.
She recalled with a pained voice how a leading celebrity blogger (Name
withheld) broke her heart few days after the sad demise of her mum “I remembered
few days after my wedding, a friend called me that somebody put it on her blog
that “What would you do if your mum died
on the morning of your wedding?”
Mope narrated further how the entire story shattered her emotions and how she
eventually handled it “My initial reaction was anger; that why will she do
that? That she is so insensitive. Then I sat down and I prayed for her and my
prayer for her and for everybody that made a comment, I know a lot of people
said ‘God forbid’, it can’t happen. People said all sorts of things. My prayer
for her (blogger) that day is that ‘she
will never know the answer to that question’ because if she knows the
answer to the question, she will go through what I had to go through that day”
 |
| Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s only son, Owolabi Bankole Jnr. giving emotional support to his siblings while sister, Mopelola Jato was giving her tribute |
“How I got the news of my mum’s
death”
Mope
continued with her tribute by revealing for the first time how she heard about
her mum’s death “I remembered telling my husband on the night of our wedding
that ‘now that the wedding is over, we need to go and see my mum. I woke up so
early the next day, preparing to go and see my mum then people started walking
into our apartment and I knew that something has gone wrong. I didn’t need to
be told that my mum has gone to rest because there was no reason for these
visits on the morning after my wedding. But that is fine; God’s will must be
respected. I know that my mum knew a lot of people and she was a good person
but I also want to ask, because we are human and we are prone to ere anytime,
if my mum offended you anytime during her life, I am sure she didn’t mean it
and even if she meant it, please find it in your heart to forgive her”. Mope’s
next line caused majority of guests to burst into tears while others
acknowledged her bravery with applauses.
The banker daughter of the late Iyalode
Adunni Bankole also asked the multitude of guests to offer a minute prayer
for her mum “I don’t know where my mum is but I know she is with the Lord,
please, take a minute and ask God to make her rest well where she is”
continued with her tribute by revealing for the first time how she heard about
her mum’s death “I remembered telling my husband on the night of our wedding
that ‘now that the wedding is over, we need to go and see my mum. I woke up so
early the next day, preparing to go and see my mum then people started walking
into our apartment and I knew that something has gone wrong. I didn’t need to
be told that my mum has gone to rest because there was no reason for these
visits on the morning after my wedding. But that is fine; God’s will must be
respected. I know that my mum knew a lot of people and she was a good person
but I also want to ask, because we are human and we are prone to ere anytime,
if my mum offended you anytime during her life, I am sure she didn’t mean it
and even if she meant it, please find it in your heart to forgive her”. Mope’s
next line caused majority of guests to burst into tears while others
acknowledged her bravery with applauses.
The banker daughter of the late Iyalode
Adunni Bankole also asked the multitude of guests to offer a minute prayer
for her mum “I don’t know where my mum is but I know she is with the Lord,
please, take a minute and ask God to make her rest well where she is”
 |
| Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s first daughter, Toyin with her son (Adunni Bankole’s first grand child) Sultan Oluwadarasimi Onilenla |
2 things I took for granted until
Mum’s death
Mope Jato rounded her tribute up with two
things that took her unaware after mum’s death “I also realized there are
certain things I have taken for granted all my life, that is (quoted Islamic
quotation in respect of death) and I will always say “God gives and God takes”
but after they told me that my mum has gone to rest I couldn’t say it in my own
case. I realized I was always saying that to people; two things that I will say
when people lose their loved ones, I will say (Recites Quranic Verses) and I
will also say ‘Rest in Peace’ but since my mum passed away I have not been able
to say those two words. But God gives and God takes and from the bottom of my
heart, today, I say ‘Mum, rest in peace’.
things that took her unaware after mum’s death “I also realized there are
certain things I have taken for granted all my life, that is (quoted Islamic
quotation in respect of death) and I will always say “God gives and God takes”
but after they told me that my mum has gone to rest I couldn’t say it in my own
case. I realized I was always saying that to people; two things that I will say
when people lose their loved ones, I will say (Recites Quranic Verses) and I
will also say ‘Rest in Peace’ but since my mum passed away I have not been able
to say those two words. But God gives and God takes and from the bottom of my
heart, today, I say ‘Mum, rest in peace’.
 |
| Muhammed Owolabi Bankole Jnr. (Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s only son) speaks to Celebrity blogger Gbenga Dan Asabe |
 |
| More Symphatisers of the late celebrity woman at the wake keeping service |
London big boy, Oladigba turns Chief Mourner
It
is said that men don’t cry or men shouldn’t cry but that axiom failed to work for London based legal practitioner and one of the beneficiaries of the late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s generosity, Barrister Olaposi Oladigba who was seating on the front row as he broke down
in uncontrollable tears and cried like a baby. His beautiful wife, Abimbola who was adorning a dark shade
quickly pulled out a white handkerchief to clean up her hubby’s face. It was
such a moving experience that nearly affected other strong hearted ones at the
event. Oladigba’s wall of masculine defense broke at the moving tributes
of Mopelola Jato’s feminine
expression. See the power of tributes?
is said that men don’t cry or men shouldn’t cry but that axiom failed to work for London based legal practitioner and one of the beneficiaries of the late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s generosity, Barrister Olaposi Oladigba who was seating on the front row as he broke down
in uncontrollable tears and cried like a baby. His beautiful wife, Abimbola who was adorning a dark shade
quickly pulled out a white handkerchief to clean up her hubby’s face. It was
such a moving experience that nearly affected other strong hearted ones at the
event. Oladigba’s wall of masculine defense broke at the moving tributes
of Mopelola Jato’s feminine
expression. See the power of tributes?
 |
| The Widower, Chief Alani Bankole with scion from late 4th wife, Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Bankole, Owolabi Bankole Jnr. |
And the Seriki Jagunmolu wept
Guess
who was equally weeping while his daughter,
Mope paid tribute to her mum, it was nobody else than the strong hearted
father of former Nigeria’s Number 4th Citizen, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Chief Alani
Suara Bankole, the Oluwo of Iporo
Sodeke and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egba
land. The Bankole patriarch equally
let loose his emotion and broke his masculine veil as he cried for his 4th
wife who died at age 55. His action according to many especially friends of the
deceased portrayed him as a man who is indeed affectionate despite the cracks
in the wall of his marriage to the late Adunni
who was equally weeping while his daughter,
Mope paid tribute to her mum, it was nobody else than the strong hearted
father of former Nigeria’s Number 4th Citizen, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Chief Alani
Suara Bankole, the Oluwo of Iporo
Sodeke and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egba
land. The Bankole patriarch equally
let loose his emotion and broke his masculine veil as he cried for his 4th
wife who died at age 55. His action according to many especially friends of the
deceased portrayed him as a man who is indeed affectionate despite the cracks
in the wall of his marriage to the late Adunni
 |
| Mopelola Jato, Iyaolde Adunni Bankole’s 2nd daughter |
Modesola’s last dance with mum
Modesola is the deceased’s last daughter,
very witty, playful and full of intelligence. Of course Modesola who tried hard to burry her own emotional shrill had tales
to tell about last moments with mum “Last time my mum came to see me in school
in the United Kingdom, we took a walk together and we came into a charity store
and I bought a book the name of the book is Gipy boy and the book said “No
one should rest until they have given their mother a eulogy”. Many people
here know my mum and when she passed on I asked what kind of eulogy can I give
my mum? And because I cannot put it into words so I have come to sing the
eulogy as a song. Mum used to sing about everything. She will be upset and she
will sing but now she can go and do all the singing in heaven. I remember when
her dad passed away, one of the first song she sang is “Since I believe, I can see
tomorrow, since I believe” etc (She sang it as the crowd joined her in
chorus) I also remembered the last time her dad died, she said to me ‘Desola
when I die make sure you sing that song that I really like at my burial’ and the name of the song is “O
fun mi Ledidi” “O fun mi ledidi, gbese nla tii mo je, oti fun mi, osi rerin, pe
ma se gbagbe mi’. (Sang all the stanzas of the song as part of the crowd joined
her) and the next one is “Ao pade leti oodo” etc (Equally sang the entire
stanza as part of the crowd joined her) Desola went ahead to sing other
Celestial numbers like “Jerusalem t’orun, Orin mi, Ilu mi” and “Ija dopin Ogun
tii se Olugbala Jagunmolu, Orin Ayo la o mako, haleluya etc.
very witty, playful and full of intelligence. Of course Modesola who tried hard to burry her own emotional shrill had tales
to tell about last moments with mum “Last time my mum came to see me in school
in the United Kingdom, we took a walk together and we came into a charity store
and I bought a book the name of the book is Gipy boy and the book said “No
one should rest until they have given their mother a eulogy”. Many people
here know my mum and when she passed on I asked what kind of eulogy can I give
my mum? And because I cannot put it into words so I have come to sing the
eulogy as a song. Mum used to sing about everything. She will be upset and she
will sing but now she can go and do all the singing in heaven. I remember when
her dad passed away, one of the first song she sang is “Since I believe, I can see
tomorrow, since I believe” etc (She sang it as the crowd joined her in
chorus) I also remembered the last time her dad died, she said to me ‘Desola
when I die make sure you sing that song that I really like at my burial’ and the name of the song is “O
fun mi Ledidi” “O fun mi ledidi, gbese nla tii mo je, oti fun mi, osi rerin, pe
ma se gbagbe mi’. (Sang all the stanzas of the song as part of the crowd joined
her) and the next one is “Ao pade leti oodo” etc (Equally sang the entire
stanza as part of the crowd joined her) Desola went ahead to sing other
Celestial numbers like “Jerusalem t’orun, Orin mi, Ilu mi” and “Ija dopin Ogun
tii se Olugbala Jagunmolu, Orin Ayo la o mako, haleluya etc.
 |
| Mopelola Jato (Nee Bankole) |
“What mum told us about death?”
The
very beautiful and intelligent Modesola
Bankole rounded her eulogy for mum with a
revelation about her mum’s last wish “My mum would always say since she
had Sultan (First grand son) “I have a
grand son now, ti mo ba ku, Oku malu ni mi o’ (I now have a grand son you people
shouldn’t be sad when I die, make sure you kill cow for me) and it is true
because my mum lived a good life and she made an impact” Modesola Bankole ended
her eulogy with a praise for mum and a prayer for the guests “I consider my
mother a hero because she has done so much and I just pray that everyone who
have learnt from my mum would take lessons away and not just be sad but be
happy and be satisfied that she is in a better place where she no longer have
sorrow and she has nothing to worry about. So, I am satisfied that she is in a
better place. God bless you and keep you under his wings”.
very beautiful and intelligent Modesola
Bankole rounded her eulogy for mum with a
revelation about her mum’s last wish “My mum would always say since she
had Sultan (First grand son) “I have a
grand son now, ti mo ba ku, Oku malu ni mi o’ (I now have a grand son you people
shouldn’t be sad when I die, make sure you kill cow for me) and it is true
because my mum lived a good life and she made an impact” Modesola Bankole ended
her eulogy with a praise for mum and a prayer for the guests “I consider my
mother a hero because she has done so much and I just pray that everyone who
have learnt from my mum would take lessons away and not just be sad but be
happy and be satisfied that she is in a better place where she no longer have
sorrow and she has nothing to worry about. So, I am satisfied that she is in a
better place. God bless you and keep you under his wings”.
 |
| Late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s imediate younger brother Adeniyi Adebowale reading out his tribute poem for late sister |
An emotional poem by Iyalode
Bankole’s immediate younger brother
It was a strong worded poem by Adeniyi Adebowale the immediate younger
brother to the deceased. Although longer than this, we caught a few part of the
poem which was about dying and living again ”To
be born is to die; to die is to be born into a new realm of
existence, do not weep but give thanks
to our creator for all his mercies’.
As your brother, I Adeniyi Adebowale
urge you Adetayo Adunni Bankole to
go forth in the name of the lord who
created you, May the heavenly angels accompany you; remain under the mercy and
benevolence of our lord. Your job on earth is done, you are not coming back.
But we who are left behind, we carry within us all that you have passed to us;
your nobility of spirit, your kindness,
your generosity, your vulnerability, your boundless optimism, your vivacity,
your love of life and your tireless energy. We shall miss you but you are free;
go your way and journey back my sister”
brother to the deceased. Although longer than this, we caught a few part of the
poem which was about dying and living again ”To
be born is to die; to die is to be born into a new realm of
existence, do not weep but give thanks
to our creator for all his mercies’.
As your brother, I Adeniyi Adebowale
urge you Adetayo Adunni Bankole to
go forth in the name of the lord who
created you, May the heavenly angels accompany you; remain under the mercy and
benevolence of our lord. Your job on earth is done, you are not coming back.
But we who are left behind, we carry within us all that you have passed to us;
your nobility of spirit, your kindness,
your generosity, your vulnerability, your boundless optimism, your vivacity,
your love of life and your tireless energy. We shall miss you but you are free;
go your way and journey back my sister”
 |
| Pastor Akin Ayanwale of Triumphant Christian Center giving his ministration at the Wake Keeping Ceremony |
What the Pastor told guests
Pastor Akin Ayanwale who conducted the wake
keeping service from Triumphant
Christian Center, Oregun, Ikeja-Lagos, South West Nigeria is reputed not to
only be a gifted man of God but a very bold clergy. Staring his sermon with the
book of John 11 verse 25 to 26, the man of God charged everybody in the gathering
never to mourn the late socialite Adunni
Bankole but to rejoice for her triumphant entry into the kingdom of God “Iyalode Adunni Bankole made restitution
before her death, she had a deal with Christ and she died in the Lord, that
alone is enough assurance for celebration” the pastor noted with gusto. Quoting again from the book of 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4
verses 13 and 14 which says “But I do
not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep,
lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died
and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus”.
With that quotation from the Bible Pastor
Ayanwale again urged the gathering to have faith that Iyalode Adunni
Bankole will rise with Christ on the last day “Christians don’t die but sleep.
Iyalode Adunni Bankole is resting and sleeping. I want to believe her life has
been a blessing to all of us; she is looking at us with joy, we should do
things the way she would have loved to do it; in her lifetime she was a very
cheerful person who does everything with a smile and you can never see her
sorrow” the man of God rounded his sermon with 1st Corinthians 15 verse 35-36 which says “But someone will say ‘how are the dead
raised up? And with what body do they come? Foolish one, what you sow is not
made alive until it dies” the man of God buttressed this verse with the
analogy of the maize grain which when buried into the soil will first die
before it germinates and becomes successful. He finally warned the crowd of
guests in a strong voice “If you are weeping and wailing, it is for yourself
not Iyalode Adunni Bankole”
keeping service from Triumphant
Christian Center, Oregun, Ikeja-Lagos, South West Nigeria is reputed not to
only be a gifted man of God but a very bold clergy. Staring his sermon with the
book of John 11 verse 25 to 26, the man of God charged everybody in the gathering
never to mourn the late socialite Adunni
Bankole but to rejoice for her triumphant entry into the kingdom of God “Iyalode Adunni Bankole made restitution
before her death, she had a deal with Christ and she died in the Lord, that
alone is enough assurance for celebration” the pastor noted with gusto. Quoting again from the book of 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4
verses 13 and 14 which says “But I do
not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep,
lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died
and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus”.
With that quotation from the Bible Pastor
Ayanwale again urged the gathering to have faith that Iyalode Adunni
Bankole will rise with Christ on the last day “Christians don’t die but sleep.
Iyalode Adunni Bankole is resting and sleeping. I want to believe her life has
been a blessing to all of us; she is looking at us with joy, we should do
things the way she would have loved to do it; in her lifetime she was a very
cheerful person who does everything with a smile and you can never see her
sorrow” the man of God rounded his sermon with 1st Corinthians 15 verse 35-36 which says “But someone will say ‘how are the dead
raised up? And with what body do they come? Foolish one, what you sow is not
made alive until it dies” the man of God buttressed this verse with the
analogy of the maize grain which when buried into the soil will first die
before it germinates and becomes successful. He finally warned the crowd of
guests in a strong voice “If you are weeping and wailing, it is for yourself
not Iyalode Adunni Bankole”
 |
| Adunni Bankole’s only son, Muhammed Owolabi Bankole Jnr. |
My mum will be immortalized—Son, Owolabi Mohammed Bankole Jnr.
Speaking
with Asabeafrika in his first major
interview to any public platform since his mother’s demise, the late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s only son and
one of the scions of the Seriki
Jagunmolu of Egba Land, Chief Alani
Suara Bankole, Owolabi Mohammed Bankole Jnr
told the world about what he and siblings plans for late mum. He started
by defining his mother’s character “I will consider my mum as the kindest
person I have ever met, she has a big heart and she was also very generous”. On
her legacy, the very handsome Bankole scion
said “Of course we are already thinking of organizing a charity in her name and
that is what we are planning at the moment and as soon as we finalize that we
will let you know about it”
with Asabeafrika in his first major
interview to any public platform since his mother’s demise, the late Iyalode Adunni Bankole’s only son and
one of the scions of the Seriki
Jagunmolu of Egba Land, Chief Alani
Suara Bankole, Owolabi Mohammed Bankole Jnr
told the world about what he and siblings plans for late mum. He started
by defining his mother’s character “I will consider my mum as the kindest
person I have ever met, she has a big heart and she was also very generous”. On
her legacy, the very handsome Bankole scion
said “Of course we are already thinking of organizing a charity in her name and
that is what we are planning at the moment and as soon as we finalize that we
will let you know about it”
(Watch out for What Media
Practitioners said about the Late Iyalode Adunni Bankole, to be posted on this
blog soon)
Practitioners said about the Late Iyalode Adunni Bankole, to be posted on this
blog soon)
