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| Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye uniting Fayose (PDP) Fayemi, Oni and Adebayo (APC) |
Today we present you the Part 2 of the celebrated funeral and celebration of life of late Teacher,
Author and Catholic Church Statesman, Chief
John Bosede Ajayi, a former Principal of St. Patrick Grammar School, Ibadan and Father of Famous business
woman and wife of former Police Affairs Minister and first Governor of Oyo
State, General David Medayese Jemibewon,
Agnes Dupe Jemibewon.
Author and Catholic Church Statesman, Chief
John Bosede Ajayi, a former Principal of St. Patrick Grammar School, Ibadan and Father of Famous business
woman and wife of former Police Affairs Minister and first Governor of Oyo
State, General David Medayese Jemibewon,
Agnes Dupe Jemibewon.
The event
which has it first leg in Ibadan, Oyo
State on Thursday August 6th closed with a two day carnival like
activity in Orin Ekiti, Ekiti State
between Friday August 7th and Saturday August 8th. Your Africa’s
number 1 Celebrity Encounter blog Asabeafrika
brings you more tales from the memorable event.
Get into your best relaxation mood as you
enjoy more briefs from the carnival like ceremony in Orin Ekiti.
enjoy more briefs from the carnival like ceremony in Orin Ekiti.
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| Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon at dad’s Orin-Ekiti Wake Keep |
salute
To say late Baba J.B. Ajayi is a man of many parts
would be an understatement as traditional leaders both men and women of Orin Ekiti troop out in hundreds to
welcome Baba’s body with the heroic 21 gun salute which herald the arrival of
the body of a great son of the soil. After a long festivity of dance and
obeisance to the arrival of the body of a great hero into Orin town, members of laity of St.
John Catholic Church, Orin-Ekiti
offered an intercession prayer on Baba’s casket (Body) at the entrance of the
church’s cathedral. Baba was the 4th Baba Egbe of the church before his demise. The body was later moved
to the ancestral family home, a traditional mud house of over 100 years in the
middle of the town.
would be an understatement as traditional leaders both men and women of Orin Ekiti troop out in hundreds to
welcome Baba’s body with the heroic 21 gun salute which herald the arrival of
the body of a great son of the soil. After a long festivity of dance and
obeisance to the arrival of the body of a great hero into Orin town, members of laity of St.
John Catholic Church, Orin-Ekiti
offered an intercession prayer on Baba’s casket (Body) at the entrance of the
church’s cathedral. Baba was the 4th Baba Egbe of the church before his demise. The body was later moved
to the ancestral family home, a traditional mud house of over 100 years in the
middle of the town.
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| Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon welcoming Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose to her father’s funeral |
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| Macmillan Book MD, Prince Iyiola Adelekan, wife Omolara with an in-law |
How Asabeafrika discovered Baba’s heritage
At Baba’s
ancestral home in Orin Ekiti where
his body was presented to the elders of the house, there it was discovered
through a bold inscription on an ancient grave situated besides the building
that it was Baba J.B. Ajayi’s
household that brought Christianity to Orin
Ekiti in 1906. On a status
inscribed on the grave situated beside the ancient building it was written in
Yoruba language “Pa Daniel Dada, Eni ti o
mu Igbabo wo ilu Orin ni 1906 ti o sun
ninu Oluwa ni 15-4-1930” (Pa Daniel Dada, the man who brought Christianity
to Orin town in 1906 and who slept in the Lord on 15-04-1930). It is quite
interesting to note that J.B. Ajayi
was born 3 months (July 31st) after the demise of Pa Daniel Dada who is said to be his
great ancestor who brought Christianity to Orin-Ekiti.
After prayers, exchange of pleasantries between house-hold elders and Baba’s
children, Baba’s body was moved to his compound for another service of
songs/wake keep to be conducted by St.
John Catholic Church.
ancestral home in Orin Ekiti where
his body was presented to the elders of the house, there it was discovered
through a bold inscription on an ancient grave situated besides the building
that it was Baba J.B. Ajayi’s
household that brought Christianity to Orin
Ekiti in 1906. On a status
inscribed on the grave situated beside the ancient building it was written in
Yoruba language “Pa Daniel Dada, Eni ti o
mu Igbabo wo ilu Orin ni 1906 ti o sun
ninu Oluwa ni 15-4-1930” (Pa Daniel Dada, the man who brought Christianity
to Orin town in 1906 and who slept in the Lord on 15-04-1930). It is quite
interesting to note that J.B. Ajayi
was born 3 months (July 31st) after the demise of Pa Daniel Dada who is said to be his
great ancestor who brought Christianity to Orin-Ekiti.
After prayers, exchange of pleasantries between house-hold elders and Baba’s
children, Baba’s body was moved to his compound for another service of
songs/wake keep to be conducted by St.
John Catholic Church.
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| Pall bearers move JB Ajayi’s body to his anceestral home |
First Lagos Female Guber Aspirant
storm Orin for Baba
storm Orin for Baba
As the Jemibewons and the Ajayis were settling down for the Orin Event, more celebrities from Lagos arrived. One of them is
first female gubernatorial aspirant in Lagos, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Adikwu
Bakare. Her arrival was heralded with great preparations as Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon quickly
ordered her aides to go drop Mrs. Remi
Adikwu Bakare at a 3 star hotel in Ido
Ekiti as all other hotels and guest houses at Orin has been booked down by
Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon.
first female gubernatorial aspirant in Lagos, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Adikwu
Bakare. Her arrival was heralded with great preparations as Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon quickly
ordered her aides to go drop Mrs. Remi
Adikwu Bakare at a 3 star hotel in Ido
Ekiti as all other hotels and guest houses at Orin has been booked down by
Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon.
Lanre Ijaola’s wife storm Orin Ekiti
Elegant
lady, Mrs. Nneka Ijaola, wife of Ben TV big boy, Lanre Ijaola aka Ijakoko was also at Orin
Ekiti for the Jemibewons.
The Umunede,
Delta state born CEO of Labase Fashion
House, Lagos, is said to have come a long way with Chief Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon with a friendship of over 15 years. She
came with four of her friends and didn’t leave until Sunday August 9th.
lady, Mrs. Nneka Ijaola, wife of Ben TV big boy, Lanre Ijaola aka Ijakoko was also at Orin
Ekiti for the Jemibewons.
The Umunede,
Delta state born CEO of Labase Fashion
House, Lagos, is said to have come a long way with Chief Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon with a friendship of over 15 years. She
came with four of her friends and didn’t leave until Sunday August 9th.
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| The Lagos & Orin Crowd dance for Baba |
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| Chief (Mrs.) Remi Adikwu Bakkare (2nd Left) with other celebrities from Lagos |
How wife shocked Gen. David Jemibewon
General David Jemibewon, son-in-law extra-ordinary to the
late Baba J.B. Ajayi was shocked on
getting to Orin Ekiti and Ido Ekiti only to discover that his
wife, Madam Dupe Jemibewon had taken
over all the major hotels and guest houses in the two major towns. Orin Ekiti is 10 minutes drive to Ido Ekiti where majority of the prime
guest houses are situated. The General who left Ibadan immediately after the Commendation Service for his
father-in-law at Catholic Church of the Ascension, New Bodija on
7th August was quite shocked when he got to Ido Ekiti only to visit couple of hotels and learnt that his
pragmatic wife has taken over those suites since second week of June. The 7th
and 8th dates were already booked down by Mrs. Duped Jemibewon. Another source close to the family confessed
to Asabeafrika
that Madam Modupe Jemibewon actually
spent close to a million naira to secure reservations for her guests from all
walks of life.
late Baba J.B. Ajayi was shocked on
getting to Orin Ekiti and Ido Ekiti only to discover that his
wife, Madam Dupe Jemibewon had taken
over all the major hotels and guest houses in the two major towns. Orin Ekiti is 10 minutes drive to Ido Ekiti where majority of the prime
guest houses are situated. The General who left Ibadan immediately after the Commendation Service for his
father-in-law at Catholic Church of the Ascension, New Bodija on
7th August was quite shocked when he got to Ido Ekiti only to visit couple of hotels and learnt that his
pragmatic wife has taken over those suites since second week of June. The 7th
and 8th dates were already booked down by Mrs. Duped Jemibewon. Another source close to the family confessed
to Asabeafrika
that Madam Modupe Jemibewon actually
spent close to a million naira to secure reservations for her guests from all
walks of life.
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| Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Yomi Awoniyi with wife, Mrs. Tokunbo Awoniyi |
Meet Dupe Jemibewon’s 3 most
influential friends of over 4 decades
influential friends of over 4 decades
These three
musketeers are like a tripod in the life of Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon and their word is almost like law to
her as their friendship which has grown to sisterhood dates back to four
decades and a half back. However, the 3 best friends of Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon are not only matured and highly respected women
in the Nigerian society but have equally grown to be grandmothers. They are Joko Oni, Dupe Ositelu and Jumoke
Peters Ayeni. A very reliable source
told this blog that the four all grew in Ibadan and had become friends when
they were still wearing skirts and blouses in school. Reverend (Mrs.) Dupe
Oshitelu who is the most senior of them and referred to as “Aunty” by Dupe Jemibewon is the beautiful wife of
late Rev. (Dr.) Gideon Ositelu who
is a senior brother to the present head of the Church of the Lord, Aladura
Worldwide, His Eminence Rev. (Dr.)
Rufus Okikiolakan Ositelu aka The Pope. Both her husband and the
present supreme head of the Aladura
Church are children of the late founder, Prophet (Dr.) Josiah Olumowo Ositelu. The second
person is Pastor (Mrs.) Jumoke Peters
Ayeni, a devoted minister of God who is the next in rank in the long time
relationship. The last however, is Captain
Mother Joko Oni. She is the rich and fabulous Lagos Textile merchant and
owner of Goldrush. Unconfirmed report
has it that Joko Oni as a young
school girl in Ibadan was one of the “mercenaries” (Alarena) General David Jemibewon aka Uncle
Dave used to “catch” the then young, pretty and charming Dupe. The three till date are very
inseparable despite the vicissitudes of life that has smitten them on all
sides. While Dupe Ositelu and Jumoke Peters Ayeni sat with Dupe Jemibewon in her Limousine
ride from Ibadan to Orin-Ekiti, Joko
Oni drove by in her 2014 model Prado
Jeep with the plate number “GoldRush”
musketeers are like a tripod in the life of Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon and their word is almost like law to
her as their friendship which has grown to sisterhood dates back to four
decades and a half back. However, the 3 best friends of Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon are not only matured and highly respected women
in the Nigerian society but have equally grown to be grandmothers. They are Joko Oni, Dupe Ositelu and Jumoke
Peters Ayeni. A very reliable source
told this blog that the four all grew in Ibadan and had become friends when
they were still wearing skirts and blouses in school. Reverend (Mrs.) Dupe
Oshitelu who is the most senior of them and referred to as “Aunty” by Dupe Jemibewon is the beautiful wife of
late Rev. (Dr.) Gideon Ositelu who
is a senior brother to the present head of the Church of the Lord, Aladura
Worldwide, His Eminence Rev. (Dr.)
Rufus Okikiolakan Ositelu aka The Pope. Both her husband and the
present supreme head of the Aladura
Church are children of the late founder, Prophet (Dr.) Josiah Olumowo Ositelu. The second
person is Pastor (Mrs.) Jumoke Peters
Ayeni, a devoted minister of God who is the next in rank in the long time
relationship. The last however, is Captain
Mother Joko Oni. She is the rich and fabulous Lagos Textile merchant and
owner of Goldrush. Unconfirmed report
has it that Joko Oni as a young
school girl in Ibadan was one of the “mercenaries” (Alarena) General David Jemibewon aka Uncle
Dave used to “catch” the then young, pretty and charming Dupe. The three till date are very
inseparable despite the vicissitudes of life that has smitten them on all
sides. While Dupe Ositelu and Jumoke Peters Ayeni sat with Dupe Jemibewon in her Limousine
ride from Ibadan to Orin-Ekiti, Joko
Oni drove by in her 2014 model Prado
Jeep with the plate number “GoldRush”
 |
| Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye welcoming Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose to the event |
Lagos Big Boy who detailed Mrs.
Jemibewon’s activities
Jemibewon’s activities
Babatunde
Olayemi a top executive with Gold
Fire Nigeria Ltd under the Leadership of Mr. Theo John Philips
was the man in charge of most of Madam
Dupe Jemibewon’s activities in Orin
Ekiti. Babatunde Olayemi whose
firm is reputed to be Nigeria’s number 1 visual communication company started
his brief with Madam at Ibadan. Close sources in the family told this blog that Olayemi who once lived with Mrs. Jemibewon in his early years in
Lagos is one of the beneficiaries of Dupe
Jemibewon’s philanthropic gesture and that was why he took a week holiday
from his boss to honor Madam Dupe
Jemibewon. He was at Orin with
his wife, Mrs. Olayemi Olayemi who
works with Lagos state Primary Health Care Board with their beautiful daughter,
Oluwatishe.
Olayemi a top executive with Gold
Fire Nigeria Ltd under the Leadership of Mr. Theo John Philips
was the man in charge of most of Madam
Dupe Jemibewon’s activities in Orin
Ekiti. Babatunde Olayemi whose
firm is reputed to be Nigeria’s number 1 visual communication company started
his brief with Madam at Ibadan. Close sources in the family told this blog that Olayemi who once lived with Mrs. Jemibewon in his early years in
Lagos is one of the beneficiaries of Dupe
Jemibewon’s philanthropic gesture and that was why he took a week holiday
from his boss to honor Madam Dupe
Jemibewon. He was at Orin with
his wife, Mrs. Olayemi Olayemi who
works with Lagos state Primary Health Care Board with their beautiful daughter,
Oluwatishe.
Ekiti State Big Girl, Adeparusi too
Highly
favored with a spotless fair skin and lovely height, Yetunde Adeparusi Abu was another person who worked closely with Madam Dupe Jemibewon during Baba’s
funeral at Orin. In fact, this big girl who works with the office of the Ekiti State Auditor General for Local Government Affairs became Mrs.
Dupe Jemibewon’s aide-de-camp for the entire 2 days as she helped Madam to
handle most of the packed gift items and other activities that needed urgent
attention from Madam during the course of event. Yetunde Adeparusi Abu is married to Nasarawa state born Abu
Adamu Lasisi who works with Obafemi
Awolowo University (OAU) Education Sport Council. He hails from Wamba town in Nasarawa state while Madam is from Ekiti state.
favored with a spotless fair skin and lovely height, Yetunde Adeparusi Abu was another person who worked closely with Madam Dupe Jemibewon during Baba’s
funeral at Orin. In fact, this big girl who works with the office of the Ekiti State Auditor General for Local Government Affairs became Mrs.
Dupe Jemibewon’s aide-de-camp for the entire 2 days as she helped Madam to
handle most of the packed gift items and other activities that needed urgent
attention from Madam during the course of event. Yetunde Adeparusi Abu is married to Nasarawa state born Abu
Adamu Lasisi who works with Obafemi
Awolowo University (OAU) Education Sport Council. He hails from Wamba town in Nasarawa state while Madam is from Ekiti state.
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| Elders of Orin Ekiti welcomes Baba’s body with dance |
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| Chief (Mrs.) Jemibewon, her PA with a cousin |
Ajayi invited to his funeral before death
Reverend Father Peter Assumpta Ajayi (Ph-D) is one of the intellectuals
and vocal voices in the Catholic Church family. He is not only a powerful
teacher of the word but a researcher per-excellence. Before his death, it was
revealed that late Baba J.B. Ajayi
asked his children to ensure that Reverend
Father Assumpta preside over his Wake-Keep and Service of Song event in Orin Ekiti. And that was exactly what
happened; Father Assumpta with other
clergies of St. John Catholic Church,
Orin Ekiti conducted the Service of
song for Baba. However, the Reverend father brought a lot of intellectualism
into the wake keep service when he delivered a powerful paper on “Baba
JB Ajayi, the history of Yoruba race and the Unity of Orin People”. In
the 7 pages paper which was delivered to the bewilderment of many, Father Assumpta noted that JB Ajayi already told him in confidence
that he was going to die in 2015 as far back as 2013. Hear him “My late mother,
Chief (Mrs.) Ester Omoyemi Ajayi, Late Mons Anthony Ogunleye Oguntuyi and Baba
JB Ajayi had premonitions about their deaths. Baba JB Ajayi told me in 2013 that he would die in 2015 and here we
are, he is dead” “Three Months before he died he said to everyone around him;
‘Father Assumpta must be at my burial’ I am here to honor you Baba” The highly
intellectual Father Assumpta who
presented his paper amidst the Service of Song
event which was predominantly done in Yoruba language by the laity of St. John Catholic Church, Orin
urged all Baba’s children to ensure Baba’s legacy of Unity in Orin does not go down without being
achieved. He touched some other sensitive issues like the Chieftaincy title
debacles of Apeluwa stool in Orin and other sundry issues on
development and social re-engineering of Orin
town which late J.B. Ajayi stood and
worked for till death. Father Assumpta is said to be one of the adopted sons of the late
philanthropist and Catholic Church statesman, Chief John Bosede Ajayi.
and vocal voices in the Catholic Church family. He is not only a powerful
teacher of the word but a researcher per-excellence. Before his death, it was
revealed that late Baba J.B. Ajayi
asked his children to ensure that Reverend
Father Assumpta preside over his Wake-Keep and Service of Song event in Orin Ekiti. And that was exactly what
happened; Father Assumpta with other
clergies of St. John Catholic Church,
Orin Ekiti conducted the Service of
song for Baba. However, the Reverend father brought a lot of intellectualism
into the wake keep service when he delivered a powerful paper on “Baba
JB Ajayi, the history of Yoruba race and the Unity of Orin People”. In
the 7 pages paper which was delivered to the bewilderment of many, Father Assumpta noted that JB Ajayi already told him in confidence
that he was going to die in 2015 as far back as 2013. Hear him “My late mother,
Chief (Mrs.) Ester Omoyemi Ajayi, Late Mons Anthony Ogunleye Oguntuyi and Baba
JB Ajayi had premonitions about their deaths. Baba JB Ajayi told me in 2013 that he would die in 2015 and here we
are, he is dead” “Three Months before he died he said to everyone around him;
‘Father Assumpta must be at my burial’ I am here to honor you Baba” The highly
intellectual Father Assumpta who
presented his paper amidst the Service of Song
event which was predominantly done in Yoruba language by the laity of St. John Catholic Church, Orin
urged all Baba’s children to ensure Baba’s legacy of Unity in Orin does not go down without being
achieved. He touched some other sensitive issues like the Chieftaincy title
debacles of Apeluwa stool in Orin and other sundry issues on
development and social re-engineering of Orin
town which late J.B. Ajayi stood and
worked for till death. Father Assumpta is said to be one of the adopted sons of the late
philanthropist and Catholic Church statesman, Chief John Bosede Ajayi.
Eminent
personalities at the Wake Keep and Service of songs included Professor Tunde Adeniran, a former
minister of Education and Nigeria’s envoy to Germany under President Obasanjo, Gen. David Jemibewon, a former minister of
Police Affairs under General Obasanjo’s
regime (JB Ajayi’s in-law) Captain Mother Joko Oni, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Adiku Bakare, Chief Paul Alabi a former Deputy
Governor of Ekiti state among other
eminent Nigerians.
personalities at the Wake Keep and Service of songs included Professor Tunde Adeniran, a former
minister of Education and Nigeria’s envoy to Germany under President Obasanjo, Gen. David Jemibewon, a former minister of
Police Affairs under General Obasanjo’s
regime (JB Ajayi’s in-law) Captain Mother Joko Oni, Chief (Mrs.) Remi Adiku Bakare, Chief Paul Alabi a former Deputy
Governor of Ekiti state among other
eminent Nigerians.
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| Dr. Ore Famure |
 |
| Late JB Ajayi’s younger brothers |
What Ekiti Deputy Governor said about
J.B. Ajayi
J.B. Ajayi
Dr. Paul Alabi a former deputy governor of Ekiti state who spoke about late JB Ajayi at the Service of Songs and
Wake Keep in Orin described the late
community leader as someone who cherished friendship. The ex- Deputy Governor
said he knew Baba since 1965 at Ijesa-Osu when Baba and his elder
brother late Chief Oyewole Jegede
were friends. He said both were very close friends until his elder brother
passed away. He acknowledged the role Baba played when his elder brother passed
away; that Baba came looking for him and equally urged him to give his friend a
befitting funeral of international standard. He said since his brother, Oyewole Jegede passed away; Baba has
kept a watch on his children and siblings and that since he knew Baba, he has
never seen him frown or get angry but always laughing and wearing a cool look.
The former deputy governor later went begging the children of Baba JB Ajayi and relations to forgive
him for not honoring Baba’s last minute invitation; that before Baba passed
away in June, Baba had sent for him through his son, Tunde but he delayed in coming only for him to get the rude shock
of Baba’s demise. Dr. Paul Alabi who
was nearly moved to tears while pleading said he never ever anticipated that
“Baba will just leave us like that”. He ended by praying for Baba’s soul to
rest in perfect peace.
Wake Keep in Orin described the late
community leader as someone who cherished friendship. The ex- Deputy Governor
said he knew Baba since 1965 at Ijesa-Osu when Baba and his elder
brother late Chief Oyewole Jegede
were friends. He said both were very close friends until his elder brother
passed away. He acknowledged the role Baba played when his elder brother passed
away; that Baba came looking for him and equally urged him to give his friend a
befitting funeral of international standard. He said since his brother, Oyewole Jegede passed away; Baba has
kept a watch on his children and siblings and that since he knew Baba, he has
never seen him frown or get angry but always laughing and wearing a cool look.
The former deputy governor later went begging the children of Baba JB Ajayi and relations to forgive
him for not honoring Baba’s last minute invitation; that before Baba passed
away in June, Baba had sent for him through his son, Tunde but he delayed in coming only for him to get the rude shock
of Baba’s demise. Dr. Paul Alabi who
was nearly moved to tears while pleading said he never ever anticipated that
“Baba will just leave us like that”. He ended by praying for Baba’s soul to
rest in perfect peace.
 |
| Late JB Ajayi’s grand daughters |
Orin town agog for Baba’s wake keep
The night of
Friday 7th August went dawn with several activities by local people
of the town to mark the heroic funeral of a great man; at the center of the Ajayi’s compound was a large screen
which played series of documentaries of the life and times of Baba JB Ajayi at his various duty posts
as a teacher, bookshop manager and business man/church leader. Many groups in Orin Ekiti also came out to celebrate
with the Ajayis during the wake keep
which lasted into the early hours of the day.
Friday 7th August went dawn with several activities by local people
of the town to mark the heroic funeral of a great man; at the center of the Ajayi’s compound was a large screen
which played series of documentaries of the life and times of Baba JB Ajayi at his various duty posts
as a teacher, bookshop manager and business man/church leader. Many groups in Orin Ekiti also came out to celebrate
with the Ajayis during the wake keep
which lasted into the early hours of the day.
 |
| Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Jemibewon drives into Orin in a Limo Royale |
 |
| Guests and Baba’s children at the Orin Wake Keep |
Bishop of Ekiti Diocese delivers
homily for Baba
homily for Baba
There is no
other way to describe the personality of late Baba J.B. Ajayi as a committed catholic leader than attending the
last of his three days funeral which had the presence of Most Reverend Felix Femi
Ajakaye, Bishop of the Catholic
Diocese of Ekiti State who
personally delivered the homily on Saturday August 8, 2015. The event which
started at 10 am on the field on Orin
High School had the presence of
three ex-governors of the state, Segun
Oni, Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo. The Governor of Ekiti
State, Peter Ayodele Fayose and
deputy Governor of Kogi state, Yomi Awoniyi with his wife Tokunbo also attended.
other way to describe the personality of late Baba J.B. Ajayi as a committed catholic leader than attending the
last of his three days funeral which had the presence of Most Reverend Felix Femi
Ajakaye, Bishop of the Catholic
Diocese of Ekiti State who
personally delivered the homily on Saturday August 8, 2015. The event which
started at 10 am on the field on Orin
High School had the presence of
three ex-governors of the state, Segun
Oni, Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo. The Governor of Ekiti
State, Peter Ayodele Fayose and
deputy Governor of Kogi state, Yomi Awoniyi with his wife Tokunbo also attended.
 |
| Laity of St John Catholic Church, Orin Ekiti |
The Untold Story of Aba ‘Jari
Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye’s homily was not only interesting and
educative but equally instructive as he described Baba JB Ajayi as a committed Catholic Church Leader. Opening his
paper with the quote “Life is God’s
special gift to a person. On the other hand, a person’s life is the prerequisite
for the last judgment after the person’s sojourn on earth” described Aba’Jari (As Baba is fondly addressed
in the inner circle of his Catholic Friends due to his tall and huge frame) as
a committed and uncompromising Catholic Leader and Teacher. The Bishop said of
JB Ajayi whose nickname is Aba ‘Jari
“He was a forbearer in the Catholic Church in Orin. Aba ‘Jari was also a writer who
believed in documentation. According to his former Parish Priest at Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state, Most Reverend Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo,
now Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta ‘even if Baba was going to say
hello, he would like to write it and document it.’ Hopefully, these documents
will be sorted out and they will not be allowed to rot. This is challenge to
Baba’s children” The Bishop continues “Courageously and doggedly, Aba ‘Jari would pursue whatever he
believed in. However, at times, once there was no way in that line, he would
tactically withdraw, though to re-strategize and he might present the same
thing in a new method”. The Bishop equally urged thousands of Nigerians who
attended the event to shun the spirit of greed and embrace that of hard work,
selfless service and contentment like the late Aba’Jari. Bishop Ajakaye
later thanked Baba’s children and other family members for taking good care of
their dedicated and caring parents until their call to eternal glory.
educative but equally instructive as he described Baba JB Ajayi as a committed Catholic Church Leader. Opening his
paper with the quote “Life is God’s
special gift to a person. On the other hand, a person’s life is the prerequisite
for the last judgment after the person’s sojourn on earth” described Aba’Jari (As Baba is fondly addressed
in the inner circle of his Catholic Friends due to his tall and huge frame) as
a committed and uncompromising Catholic Leader and Teacher. The Bishop said of
JB Ajayi whose nickname is Aba ‘Jari
“He was a forbearer in the Catholic Church in Orin. Aba ‘Jari was also a writer who
believed in documentation. According to his former Parish Priest at Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo state, Most Reverend Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo,
now Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta ‘even if Baba was going to say
hello, he would like to write it and document it.’ Hopefully, these documents
will be sorted out and they will not be allowed to rot. This is challenge to
Baba’s children” The Bishop continues “Courageously and doggedly, Aba ‘Jari would pursue whatever he
believed in. However, at times, once there was no way in that line, he would
tactically withdraw, though to re-strategize and he might present the same
thing in a new method”. The Bishop equally urged thousands of Nigerians who
attended the event to shun the spirit of greed and embrace that of hard work,
selfless service and contentment like the late Aba’Jari. Bishop Ajakaye
later thanked Baba’s children and other family members for taking good care of
their dedicated and caring parents until their call to eternal glory.
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| Both the young and old throng out for the great man |
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| General David Jemibewon Welcomes Gov. Ayo Fayose to his in-law’s event |
Ayo Fayose’s heroic arrival
It was some
minutes pass 2’ O’ clock and the noise of Oshokomole rented the air as worshippers
wondered who was arriving. It later turned out to be the Governor of the state,
His Excellency Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose.
The Governor adorning a white Agbada
sent a section of the crowd on wild jubilation as they hailed him before he was
led to the front seat by church ushers and security aides where he joined his 3
predecessors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engineer Segun Oni and Dr. Kayode
Fayemi. He had an official handshake with all of them before taking his
seat next to his immediate predecessor Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
minutes pass 2’ O’ clock and the noise of Oshokomole rented the air as worshippers
wondered who was arriving. It later turned out to be the Governor of the state,
His Excellency Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose.
The Governor adorning a white Agbada
sent a section of the crowd on wild jubilation as they hailed him before he was
led to the front seat by church ushers and security aides where he joined his 3
predecessors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engineer Segun Oni and Dr. Kayode
Fayemi. He had an official handshake with all of them before taking his
seat next to his immediate predecessor Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
The Fayose/Fayemi Drama
Trust
Governor Ayodele Fayose, he will
always create a room for drama especially when the atmosphere is a “Charged
One” like the one of Baba JB Ajayi’s
funeral where he had all his 3 predecessors who are now in the opposition
sitting with him. In sitting directly next to his immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose came out with his trait as he “sit-backed” Kayode Fayemi (O ko eyin si Fayemi) instead of sitting straight or at par with
the later. This deliberate act of “tactical rejection” was visibly noticed by
journalists and camera men who took time to snap the mini drama.
Governor Ayodele Fayose, he will
always create a room for drama especially when the atmosphere is a “Charged
One” like the one of Baba JB Ajayi’s
funeral where he had all his 3 predecessors who are now in the opposition
sitting with him. In sitting directly next to his immediate predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose came out with his trait as he “sit-backed” Kayode Fayemi (O ko eyin si Fayemi) instead of sitting straight or at par with
the later. This deliberate act of “tactical rejection” was visibly noticed by
journalists and camera men who took time to snap the mini drama.
 |
| Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese |
Bishop Ajaikaiye’s political strategy
Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti must have saved the
day with his quick strategy. When Ayo
Fayose came in, the event was already winding up with Baba’s first child, Madam Dupe Jemibewon giving vote of
thanks. Bishop Ajakaiye sensing the
danger of Fayose’s arrival and the
charged atmosphere with the governor’s supporters welling around the venue
quickly applied his native wisdom by first inviting the governor whom he
described as “Ogbeni Peter Ayodele Fayose” to the altar to greet him. Mr. Fayose must have thought the Bishop
would hand over the Microphone to him to enable him say one or two words to his
supporters but he was shocked, though buried the shock in his trademark smile
as the Bishop gave him a handshake, took a pose with him and asked him to go
and sit down. Those very close to the governor later confided in this blog that
Fayose didn’t like the queer
treatment. Fayose was later caught
giving a shrewd look to Bishop Ajakaiye
for “making His Excellency not to speak at such an auspicious gathering”.
Political analysts at the event said Bishop
Ajakaiye’s action was tactical and deliberate as allowing Governor Fayose to speak while Fayemi, Adebayo and Segun Oni
are on seat might degenerate into a political hullabaloo.
day with his quick strategy. When Ayo
Fayose came in, the event was already winding up with Baba’s first child, Madam Dupe Jemibewon giving vote of
thanks. Bishop Ajakaiye sensing the
danger of Fayose’s arrival and the
charged atmosphere with the governor’s supporters welling around the venue
quickly applied his native wisdom by first inviting the governor whom he
described as “Ogbeni Peter Ayodele Fayose” to the altar to greet him. Mr. Fayose must have thought the Bishop
would hand over the Microphone to him to enable him say one or two words to his
supporters but he was shocked, though buried the shock in his trademark smile
as the Bishop gave him a handshake, took a pose with him and asked him to go
and sit down. Those very close to the governor later confided in this blog that
Fayose didn’t like the queer
treatment. Fayose was later caught
giving a shrewd look to Bishop Ajakaiye
for “making His Excellency not to speak at such an auspicious gathering”.
Political analysts at the event said Bishop
Ajakaiye’s action was tactical and deliberate as allowing Governor Fayose to speak while Fayemi, Adebayo and Segun Oni
are on seat might degenerate into a political hullabaloo.
 |
| Front view of late JB Ajayi’s Orin Ekiti ancestral home |
Still on Bishop Ajakaye
Bishop Ajakaiye later invited the four politicians
(Fayose, Fayemi, Adebayo and Oni) to the podium to have a photo op with him and
equally used the opportunity to advise them to shun their individual political
differences and work for the development of Ekiti State. Dr. Kayode Fayemi left after the photo op while Fayose, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni
who came with his wife stayed behind. Although some analysts like Mr. Femi Adagunodo, a veteran photo
journalist and creative news expert believed Fayemi’s exit was a calculated strategy as Fayose is allegedly incapable of holding on for too long without
making a scapegoat of his imagined enemies. The Governor later left without
being allowed to say a word at the event.
(Fayose, Fayemi, Adebayo and Oni) to the podium to have a photo op with him and
equally used the opportunity to advise them to shun their individual political
differences and work for the development of Ekiti State. Dr. Kayode Fayemi left after the photo op while Fayose, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni
who came with his wife stayed behind. Although some analysts like Mr. Femi Adagunodo, a veteran photo
journalist and creative news expert believed Fayemi’s exit was a calculated strategy as Fayose is allegedly incapable of holding on for too long without
making a scapegoat of his imagined enemies. The Governor later left without
being allowed to say a word at the event.
 |
| Ex-Governors; Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni with wife |
Why Fayose attended Baba JB’s funeral
Although
some local analysts kept on analyzing the reason behind the sudden appearance
of the PDP Governor of Ekiti State, Peter
Ayodele Fayose at the event amidst a house full of APC sympathizers, while
some said it was Baba’s second son and third child Dr. Tunde Ajayi that invited the governor to the event others
claimed that Baba JB Ajayi was the
Governor’s teacher while he was in High school. Although it was evident that Dr. Tunde Ajayi, a Ph-D holder in
political science and a lecturer and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science
at the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti was very free with the
Governor and ensured his Excellency had the best of time at the occasion, the
bigger truth which we later found out at the Ajayis’ family compound in Orin
Ekiti was the fact that Baba JB Ajayi taught Governor Ayo Fayose while the later was
a student of Olivet High School, Oyo
and till date, Ayo Fayose has not
forgotten Baba’s impact on his life; the main reason why the Governor was
allegedly angry with Bishop Felix Femi
Ajakaye for not allowing him to speak at the event which could have given
him ample opportunity to say something about his experience with Baba.
some local analysts kept on analyzing the reason behind the sudden appearance
of the PDP Governor of Ekiti State, Peter
Ayodele Fayose at the event amidst a house full of APC sympathizers, while
some said it was Baba’s second son and third child Dr. Tunde Ajayi that invited the governor to the event others
claimed that Baba JB Ajayi was the
Governor’s teacher while he was in High school. Although it was evident that Dr. Tunde Ajayi, a Ph-D holder in
political science and a lecturer and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science
at the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti was very free with the
Governor and ensured his Excellency had the best of time at the occasion, the
bigger truth which we later found out at the Ajayis’ family compound in Orin
Ekiti was the fact that Baba JB Ajayi taught Governor Ayo Fayose while the later was
a student of Olivet High School, Oyo
and till date, Ayo Fayose has not
forgotten Baba’s impact on his life; the main reason why the Governor was
allegedly angry with Bishop Felix Femi
Ajakaye for not allowing him to speak at the event which could have given
him ample opportunity to say something about his experience with Baba.
 |
| Great Women of Orin Ekiti join the JB Ajayi crowd |
Modupe Jemibewon gives vote of Thanks
As if
honoring the meaning of her name “Modupe” (I Thank God/You) the organizers of
the event entrusted the “Vote of Thanks” to Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Jemibewon who is Baba’s first child. The woman
of valor thanked the Bishop for creating time to come and give the homily for
her dad’s funeral. Mrs. Jemibewon said it was a rare honor
bestowed upon her family as the Bishop could have ordered a senior officer in
the laity to handle the job but he decided to come personally. She also
promised the Catholic Church in Orin-Ekiti that she and her siblings
have agreed to jointly work hard to complete the millennium cathedral of St. John Catholic Church, Orin, which
was one of the projects Baba was passionate about before he was called home.
She promised that the family will ensure the cathedral is finished before
Baba’s first year anniversary in 2016.
She equally used the opportunity to thank Governor Fayose, ex-Governors
Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni for honoring the family with their presence. She went
ahead to thank the Deputy Governor of Kogi state her husband’s homestead, His Excellency Yomi
Awoniyi and his wife, Tokunbo
for honoring the family’s invitation. Mrs.
Jemibewon thanked the Aguda Church, her grand father’s church, the Iwoye,
Ilore,
Iyatin
and many other families that saw to the spiritual and social growth of her
family in Orin. She equally noted
with pride that Reverend Mother Mary
Emmanuel, the first black Yoruba Reverend Sister in the history of Catholic
Church in Nigeria was from Orin Ekiti.
On a last note, she said, the family is happy that Baba will be sleeping
besides his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Mary
Idowu Olawunmi Ajayi (Nee Olayemi) who passed away at age 77 in 2009. She
said it was a rare feat for her dad to have his wish in life to burry his wife
in Orin and sleep beside her on the
last day. Baba’s body was later moved to his compound where he was buried near
the grave of his wife and that of his mother, late Chief (Mrs.) Mary Aina Ajayi, late Iyalode of St. John Catholic
Church–Orin-Ekiti after some
funeral rites by his children and grand children.
honoring the meaning of her name “Modupe” (I Thank God/You) the organizers of
the event entrusted the “Vote of Thanks” to Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Jemibewon who is Baba’s first child. The woman
of valor thanked the Bishop for creating time to come and give the homily for
her dad’s funeral. Mrs. Jemibewon said it was a rare honor
bestowed upon her family as the Bishop could have ordered a senior officer in
the laity to handle the job but he decided to come personally. She also
promised the Catholic Church in Orin-Ekiti that she and her siblings
have agreed to jointly work hard to complete the millennium cathedral of St. John Catholic Church, Orin, which
was one of the projects Baba was passionate about before he was called home.
She promised that the family will ensure the cathedral is finished before
Baba’s first year anniversary in 2016.
She equally used the opportunity to thank Governor Fayose, ex-Governors
Kayode Fayemi, Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni for honoring the family with their presence. She went
ahead to thank the Deputy Governor of Kogi state her husband’s homestead, His Excellency Yomi
Awoniyi and his wife, Tokunbo
for honoring the family’s invitation. Mrs.
Jemibewon thanked the Aguda Church, her grand father’s church, the Iwoye,
Ilore,
Iyatin
and many other families that saw to the spiritual and social growth of her
family in Orin. She equally noted
with pride that Reverend Mother Mary
Emmanuel, the first black Yoruba Reverend Sister in the history of Catholic
Church in Nigeria was from Orin Ekiti.
On a last note, she said, the family is happy that Baba will be sleeping
besides his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Mary
Idowu Olawunmi Ajayi (Nee Olayemi) who passed away at age 77 in 2009. She
said it was a rare feat for her dad to have his wish in life to burry his wife
in Orin and sleep beside her on the
last day. Baba’s body was later moved to his compound where he was buried near
the grave of his wife and that of his mother, late Chief (Mrs.) Mary Aina Ajayi, late Iyalode of St. John Catholic
Church–Orin-Ekiti after some
funeral rites by his children and grand children.
(Watch Out for the
Concluding Part of the JB Ajayi Funeral in Orin-Ekiti on this blog after this
time-out)
Concluding Part of the JB Ajayi Funeral in Orin-Ekiti on this blog after this
time-out)
 |
| Former Ekiti Deputy Governor, Dr. Paul Alabi at the Orin Ekiti Wake Keep |
 |
| Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon welcomes with a Special Meal by her Age Group in Orin Ekiti |
 |
| Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon touches dad’s coffin before elders of the Ajayi’s family |
 |
| Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon meets elders and children at Father’s ancestral home |
 |
| Catholic Priests praying on Baba’s body in presence of children and grand children |
 |
| Baba’s Condolence Register |
 |
| Baba’s Children, others wait for the arrival of his body for an intercession prayer |
 |
| Baba’s body, moving to his ancestral home |
 |
| Baba’s body being pulled out of the hearse |
 |
| Baba’s body arrives his ancestral home |
 |
| Baba JB Ajayi’s hearse by BMC |
 |
| Baba JB Ajayi’s children; Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon, Barrister Abimbola Ajayi, Dr. Dayo Ajayi, Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoke Akintade and Dr. Tunde Ajayi |
 |
| Age Group gives Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon a token gift on arrival |
 |
| A cross Section of guests at the Service of Songs in Orin Ekiti |
 |
| A cross section of grand children |
 |
| A bold inscription on the hearse by children of the deaceased |
 |
| (L-R) Ex-Miniter of Education & former Nigerian Envoy to Germany, Professor Tunde Adeniran with Ex-Minister of Police Affairs, Gen. David Medayese Jemibewon |
 |
| These two lovely women display the great man’s picture behind his first child, Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon |
 |
| Women of St. John Catholic Church, Orin Ekiti welcomes Baba’s first child, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon |
 |
| The Limo Royale with a convoy of over 40 cars that came with it from Ibadan |
 |
| The Late Great Man in his final state |
 |
| The entrance of St. John Catholic Church, Orin Ekiti |
 |
| Priests of St. John Catholic Church, Orin Ekiti |
 |
| Orin Women joins Mrs. Jemibewon to welcome her Dad’s body home |
 |
| Mrs. Nneka Ijaola (R) with friends at Baba’s Orin Ekiti Wake Keep |
 |
| Late Baba JB Ajayi’s private library at Orin Ekiti |
