 |
| The General, his daughter Dele (L) and his wife, Lady Dupe (R) |
When the family of late Madam Rachael `Emife Jemibewon convened
in the historic town of Iyah-Gbedde
(A town between Aiyetoro and Gbedde after Kabba) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi
State, North Central Nigeria, between Wednesday August 3 and Friday, August
5, 2016 in honor of their late matriach,
it was not only to give the commited Christian and community Woman leader who left this world after living
a century and six years a befitting funeral. It was equally for the golden
purpose of celebrating the life and legacies of a great woman who played
impactful roles in the lives of countless people in her lifetime.
in the historic town of Iyah-Gbedde
(A town between Aiyetoro and Gbedde after Kabba) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi
State, North Central Nigeria, between Wednesday August 3 and Friday, August
5, 2016 in honor of their late matriach,
it was not only to give the commited Christian and community Woman leader who left this world after living
a century and six years a befitting funeral. It was equally for the golden
purpose of celebrating the life and legacies of a great woman who played
impactful roles in the lives of countless people in her lifetime.
 |
| ‘All of you come and see how my Mum now looks’ the General seems to be saying to Guests who followed him into the Casket Chamber in his house |
Mama Rachael Emife
Jemibewon indeed deserved no less as she was
an accomplished christian and mother who, beyond being a loving mother,
counselor and destiny molder was also a paragon of character and an epitome of
good christian values. She died in her sleep in the early hours of Thursday
July 21, at the ripe age of a hundred and six years (106).
Jemibewon indeed deserved no less as she was
an accomplished christian and mother who, beyond being a loving mother,
counselor and destiny molder was also a paragon of character and an epitome of
good christian values. She died in her sleep in the early hours of Thursday
July 21, at the ripe age of a hundred and six years (106).
Her star son, Major General David Medayese Jemibewon (CFR, Mni), an elder
statesman, military administrator of repute and educationist per-excellence
invited the who-is-who in Nigeria to join him commit his precious mother to
mother’s heart. He and his surviving elder sister, Madam Janet Owadokun (Nee Jemibewon) a retired Civil Servant were
overwhelmed with the tremendous amount of goodwill of presence as personalities
stormed the event from all nooks and cranies of the world.
statesman, military administrator of repute and educationist per-excellence
invited the who-is-who in Nigeria to join him commit his precious mother to
mother’s heart. He and his surviving elder sister, Madam Janet Owadokun (Nee Jemibewon) a retired Civil Servant were
overwhelmed with the tremendous amount of goodwill of presence as personalities
stormed the event from all nooks and cranies of the world.
Your Africa’s number 1 Celebrity
Encounter blog, Asabeafrika was the
official blog for the event. We were at the 3 days carnival like event and we
bring you behind the scene activities of what took place at Mama
Rachael Emife Jemibewon’s funeral. Take a sit with your favorite drink and
snack as we take you on a ride of behind-the-scene happenstances. Enjoy.
Encounter blog, Asabeafrika was the
official blog for the event. We were at the 3 days carnival like event and we
bring you behind the scene activities of what took place at Mama
Rachael Emife Jemibewon’s funeral. Take a sit with your favorite drink and
snack as we take you on a ride of behind-the-scene happenstances. Enjoy.
 |
| Some traditional women from Ijumu LGA welcomes Mama’s body to Iyah Gbedde |
Jemibewon’s mother
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Mama Emife (Which means ‘The One I love’) was
born about One hundred and six years
ago to Mama Jemibiyi (Jembi) and Pa Olujitan. The story of
her life cannot be complete without a glimpse into her ancestral origin. Her
grandmother was born at Agbara and she got married to a man
from Akure
(both settlements form integral part of modern Aiyegunle-Gbedde in Kogi State).
born about One hundred and six years
ago to Mama Jemibiyi (Jembi) and Pa Olujitan. The story of
her life cannot be complete without a glimpse into her ancestral origin. Her
grandmother was born at Agbara and she got married to a man
from Akure
(both settlements form integral part of modern Aiyegunle-Gbedde in Kogi State).
Her
grandmother had six children which includes mama’s mother, Mobayo (Iyemose) and Obamila
(of Agbara) before her husband passed away. After the death of her husband, she
was re-married to Emiwonasaiye, who had the chieftaincy title, Ologe,
and was the Olu of Iya-Gbedde and had Mojefe (Daniel Ologe’s father), a
twin, one was killed and burried as was the tradition then, leaving one to
survive, named Bofemihi (Bofe) and lastly a girl, who died young.
grandmother had six children which includes mama’s mother, Mobayo (Iyemose) and Obamila
(of Agbara) before her husband passed away. After the death of her husband, she
was re-married to Emiwonasaiye, who had the chieftaincy title, Ologe,
and was the Olu of Iya-Gbedde and had Mojefe (Daniel Ologe’s father), a
twin, one was killed and burried as was the tradition then, leaving one to
survive, named Bofemihi (Bofe) and lastly a girl, who died young.
Mama Emife’s grandmother died soon after the
death of her last child. In a short
tribute written by her son during the occasion of her 95th birthday
in year 2005, Mama gave the entire
naration of story of her life in her own word.
death of her last child. In a short
tribute written by her son during the occasion of her 95th birthday
in year 2005, Mama gave the entire
naration of story of her life in her own word.
 |
| Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon Sleeps Peacefully in her last posture on earth |
The Origin of the name “Jemibewon”
This is what
the late Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon said about herself on her 95th
birthday. Hear the details on Asabeafrika for the very first time “My grandmother (I did not know her but her story was relayed
to me by my mother) carried my mother’s
pregnancy for more than the normal nine (9) months. During the labour for the
birth of my mother, she was in great pains and had difficulties in the delivry
of my mother”.
the late Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon said about herself on her 95th
birthday. Hear the details on Asabeafrika for the very first time “My grandmother (I did not know her but her story was relayed
to me by my mother) carried my mother’s
pregnancy for more than the normal nine (9) months. During the labour for the
birth of my mother, she was in great pains and had difficulties in the delivry
of my mother”.
“In town at the time, there was a
well known herbal traditionalist called Olujitan.
He was approached for assisstance in the delivery of my mother by my
grandfather’s family. In fact, my grandmother was taken to his house. The
herbalist, Olujitan obliged but not
without a condition that may be refered to in modern days as strange. However,
in those days, such condition precedent to the kind of help sort from him was
acceptable. This condition was, if the child was safely delivered and the baby
happened to be a girl, on attaining a marriageable age, he will be given the
girl’s hand in marriage. Of course, the condition was immediately accepted to
save the lives of the mother and the unborn child”.
well known herbal traditionalist called Olujitan.
He was approached for assisstance in the delivery of my mother by my
grandfather’s family. In fact, my grandmother was taken to his house. The
herbalist, Olujitan obliged but not
without a condition that may be refered to in modern days as strange. However,
in those days, such condition precedent to the kind of help sort from him was
acceptable. This condition was, if the child was safely delivered and the baby
happened to be a girl, on attaining a marriageable age, he will be given the
girl’s hand in marriage. Of course, the condition was immediately accepted to
save the lives of the mother and the unborn child”.
Mama
continued “Truly, my grandmother was
delivered of a twin, a boy and a girl. In those days the delivery of twins was
regarded as a bad omen and the children were usually killed, or at least one of
them killed and burried. In this case, however, only the male child was killed
and burried, leaving behind my mother who was spared so as to meet the terms of
the herbalist, my father, Olujitan. When my mother grew up, the story was that
she was very beautiful as such had many suitors. Consequently, she did not want
to have anything to do with Olujitan,
my father. She was however forced against her will in fulfilment of the
unwritten agreement my father and the family of my mother had. My mother
married Olujitan and I was the only
child of the marriage before she divorced my father to re-marry. In fact, I was
old enough to know when the divorce took place. Soon after the divorce, my
mother was re-married to Owonihi of
Oroke (Aiyebayo, Yagba) and had a baby girl named Alenire. My mother soon thereafter, died. Alenire later grew up and was married to Chief Obajemu who later became the traditional ruler of Aiyedayo, Yagba. Alenire had an
only child, a son Rowland Obajemu
now resident at Amuro, Mopamuro LGA. Thus, my mother had only
two of us, myself and my sister, Alenire
of blessed memory”.
continued “Truly, my grandmother was
delivered of a twin, a boy and a girl. In those days the delivery of twins was
regarded as a bad omen and the children were usually killed, or at least one of
them killed and burried. In this case, however, only the male child was killed
and burried, leaving behind my mother who was spared so as to meet the terms of
the herbalist, my father, Olujitan. When my mother grew up, the story was that
she was very beautiful as such had many suitors. Consequently, she did not want
to have anything to do with Olujitan,
my father. She was however forced against her will in fulfilment of the
unwritten agreement my father and the family of my mother had. My mother
married Olujitan and I was the only
child of the marriage before she divorced my father to re-marry. In fact, I was
old enough to know when the divorce took place. Soon after the divorce, my
mother was re-married to Owonihi of
Oroke (Aiyebayo, Yagba) and had a baby girl named Alenire. My mother soon thereafter, died. Alenire later grew up and was married to Chief Obajemu who later became the traditional ruler of Aiyedayo, Yagba. Alenire had an
only child, a son Rowland Obajemu
now resident at Amuro, Mopamuro LGA. Thus, my mother had only
two of us, myself and my sister, Alenire
of blessed memory”.
 |
| The General sharing a joke with Bar. Tunde Ayeni & Bar. Segun Awolowo Jnr. |
“After the divorce by my mother, I
was taken to the female head of my mother’s family by name Eyinnomo to be cared for. As I grew up I was moved to my
grandmother’s sister Mobayo
(Iyemose) at Iyah. As I grew up and
developed, many suitors started to frequent our residence, no doubt because of
me. With so many young men looking for my hand in marriage, my grandmother’s
brother, Mejofe (Daniel Ologe’s
father)felt displeased. As he puts it, he did not want me to make a wrong
choice. He therefore asked his sister, Mobayo
(who now stood in place of my mother) to carry out some discreet investigations
and consultations as to the suitability or otherwise of each suitor. Meanwhile,
he too will do the same so that at the end, they would compare notes”.
was taken to the female head of my mother’s family by name Eyinnomo to be cared for. As I grew up I was moved to my
grandmother’s sister Mobayo
(Iyemose) at Iyah. As I grew up and
developed, many suitors started to frequent our residence, no doubt because of
me. With so many young men looking for my hand in marriage, my grandmother’s
brother, Mejofe (Daniel Ologe’s
father)felt displeased. As he puts it, he did not want me to make a wrong
choice. He therefore asked his sister, Mobayo
(who now stood in place of my mother) to carry out some discreet investigations
and consultations as to the suitability or otherwise of each suitor. Meanwhile,
he too will do the same so that at the end, they would compare notes”.
 |
| The General & his Hearthrob, Dame Dupe Jemibewon @ Mama’s Service of Song |
“At the end of the exercise, Mejofe favoured Jembe (Jemibewon) while Mobayo
(Iyemose) objected. Mejofe favoured Jembe on the grounds of the reputation
of his family—the Idamuro family for
being very hardworking, which Mejofe
believe will guarantee me a good future against hunger. Mobayo (Iyemose) objected on the ground that Jembe is a name usually associated with “Abiku” (born-to-die
syndrome). The mother of Jembe had
many children, the first being a female who was the mother of Omoye Moloyo. Thereafter, she had many
other children who died one after the other before Jembe was born. The name ‘Jembe’
in fact means “Let me appeal to them”
(Jemibewon). When Mobayo (Iyemose),
who actually was like my mother, realised that she had lost the battle against her
brother whose choice for me was Jembe,
she, Iyemose sent me packing from
her house, a very devastating blow in those days. I had to move to Mejofe’s house. Thus, I was torn
between my sister and my brother. As a result of this, I did not marry early or
at the appropriate time as it was the custom in those days. It took years to
amicably settle this matter and when it was finally settled, I moved back to my
mother’s house—Mobayo (Iyemose) who
a few months after, gave me out in marriage to Idamuro family, symbolized byPeter
Jembe Alemo around 1939”.
(Iyemose) objected. Mejofe favoured Jembe on the grounds of the reputation
of his family—the Idamuro family for
being very hardworking, which Mejofe
believe will guarantee me a good future against hunger. Mobayo (Iyemose) objected on the ground that Jembe is a name usually associated with “Abiku” (born-to-die
syndrome). The mother of Jembe had
many children, the first being a female who was the mother of Omoye Moloyo. Thereafter, she had many
other children who died one after the other before Jembe was born. The name ‘Jembe’
in fact means “Let me appeal to them”
(Jemibewon). When Mobayo (Iyemose),
who actually was like my mother, realised that she had lost the battle against her
brother whose choice for me was Jembe,
she, Iyemose sent me packing from
her house, a very devastating blow in those days. I had to move to Mejofe’s house. Thus, I was torn
between my sister and my brother. As a result of this, I did not marry early or
at the appropriate time as it was the custom in those days. It took years to
amicably settle this matter and when it was finally settled, I moved back to my
mother’s house—Mobayo (Iyemose) who
a few months after, gave me out in marriage to Idamuro family, symbolized byPeter
Jembe Alemo around 1939”.
 |
| The Jemibewon Family of Iyah-Gbedde |
Meet Mama’s Children (Living &
Deceased)
Deceased)
1. Medaiyese Jemibewon (Retired Army
General & Elder Statesman)
General & Elder Statesman)
2. Taiwo and Kehinde Jemibewon. Taiwo, a
girl died after the age of one (both are now deceased)
girl died after the age of one (both are now deceased)
3. Idowu Jemibewon (Deceased)
4. Iyemewa Jemibewon (Now Known as Janet Owadokun, a retired Civil
Servant)
Servant)
5. Ebun Jemibewon—She died at about the
age of 10 from an enlargement of the spleen.
age of 10 from an enlargement of the spleen.
 |
| The General’s 2 daughters; Dele & Lola took a dance with a cousin, Oyinade |
Mama’s best kep secret revealed
Mama grew up to embrace Christianity and
was baptised in the Baptist Church as
a demonstration of giving her life to Christ. Since then, she has never looked
back. Undoubtedly, the greatest attribute of Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon
is the love, care, accomodation and support she gave to her late husband, Pa Idamuro Jemibewon and the entire
people of Iyah Community and all those that came across her. She lived
with three (3) other wives of her late husband who were married to him after
her. She shared the same roof with two (2) of these wives without any problem.
It is on good record and according to reports in her Autobiogrpahy written by
her son, General David Jemibewon (CFR, Mni) that no one can claim to
have settled any misunderstanding between Mama
and any of her co-wives. Unfortunately, they all predeceased her. The children
pray for their step mothers and dad: “We
pray for the repose of their spirits and the spirit of our Dad who also passed
to glory on 19th September, 1990 and was burried on 27th
September, 1990 at the age of about 90 years”.
was baptised in the Baptist Church as
a demonstration of giving her life to Christ. Since then, she has never looked
back. Undoubtedly, the greatest attribute of Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon
is the love, care, accomodation and support she gave to her late husband, Pa Idamuro Jemibewon and the entire
people of Iyah Community and all those that came across her. She lived
with three (3) other wives of her late husband who were married to him after
her. She shared the same roof with two (2) of these wives without any problem.
It is on good record and according to reports in her Autobiogrpahy written by
her son, General David Jemibewon (CFR, Mni) that no one can claim to
have settled any misunderstanding between Mama
and any of her co-wives. Unfortunately, they all predeceased her. The children
pray for their step mothers and dad: “We
pray for the repose of their spirits and the spirit of our Dad who also passed
to glory on 19th September, 1990 and was burried on 27th
September, 1990 at the age of about 90 years”.
 |
| The Ajayis of Orin-Ekiti (General Jemibewon’s in-laws) |
“We (Children) believe very strongly, that without the total support of our mother, it
would have been more difficult for our father, a peasant farmer to single
handedly pay the way of our mother’s first child, Medaiyese, at Offa Grammar School, paying £37 Pounds 15 shillings each year in
those days for a period of five (5) years and maintain him in the boarding
house. This solid foundation sustained our family, as Medaiyese took responsibility for the younger ones on graduation in
1959” the Jemibewon family noted in the autobiography.
would have been more difficult for our father, a peasant farmer to single
handedly pay the way of our mother’s first child, Medaiyese, at Offa Grammar School, paying £37 Pounds 15 shillings each year in
those days for a period of five (5) years and maintain him in the boarding
house. This solid foundation sustained our family, as Medaiyese took responsibility for the younger ones on graduation in
1959” the Jemibewon family noted in the autobiography.
 |
| The General in a very jolly mood as the Choristers sing along with him |
Why Mama was buried 13 days after her
death.
death.
Do you know
that Mama’s funeral took place exactly 13 days after her demise?. Yes, we
counted; Mama passed away on Thursday July 21st and her funeral
activities began with a multidenominational event termed ‘An evening of Tributes,Memories & Oration” on Wednesday,
August 3, 2016. The event took place insde the Iyah-Gbedde Country home
of her son, General David Jemibewon. The event which took
place between the hours of 4pm and 6pm had in attendance prominent members of
the Jemibewon
family from Iyah-Gbedde and other neigbouring towns in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State. It was a joint event
between the family and the leadership of the Christian Associaion of Nigeria
(North Central) in conjunction with The Apostolic Church, Mama’s family
church before her demise. The Night or Oration equally
witnessed the attendance of various women bodies like the Gbedde Women Council
(GWC) Ijumu Women Council, Okun Women Congress, Ido-Osi
Women Coaliation (IWC) and members of the Catholic Cathedral Women Forum
(CCWF) from Catholic churches in Kogi
and Ekiti States (North Central and
South West Nigeria). The various groups shared testimonies of Mama’s kindness
to people of her community and the role her son, General David Jemibewon
played in the development of Iyah-Gbedde community in Kogi
state. It was an event spiced with music, drama and other activities as a
conglomerate of choir groups under the aegies of Christian Associan of
Nigeria Choir (CAN-C) serenade guests.
that Mama’s funeral took place exactly 13 days after her demise?. Yes, we
counted; Mama passed away on Thursday July 21st and her funeral
activities began with a multidenominational event termed ‘An evening of Tributes,Memories & Oration” on Wednesday,
August 3, 2016. The event took place insde the Iyah-Gbedde Country home
of her son, General David Jemibewon. The event which took
place between the hours of 4pm and 6pm had in attendance prominent members of
the Jemibewon
family from Iyah-Gbedde and other neigbouring towns in Ijumu LGA of Kogi State. It was a joint event
between the family and the leadership of the Christian Associaion of Nigeria
(North Central) in conjunction with The Apostolic Church, Mama’s family
church before her demise. The Night or Oration equally
witnessed the attendance of various women bodies like the Gbedde Women Council
(GWC) Ijumu Women Council, Okun Women Congress, Ido-Osi
Women Coaliation (IWC) and members of the Catholic Cathedral Women Forum
(CCWF) from Catholic churches in Kogi
and Ekiti States (North Central and
South West Nigeria). The various groups shared testimonies of Mama’s kindness
to people of her community and the role her son, General David Jemibewon
played in the development of Iyah-Gbedde community in Kogi
state. It was an event spiced with music, drama and other activities as a
conglomerate of choir groups under the aegies of Christian Associan of
Nigeria Choir (CAN-C) serenade guests.
 |
| The Choir in session |
How eminent Nigerians stormed Mama’s Lying-in-state
on August 4
on August 4
The last
time Iyah-Gbedde
as a community witnessed a surge of eminent personalities storming her for a
big event was during Mama’s 95th birthday on July 21st,
2005. However, Mama’s lying-in-state program/Christian
songs and wake keeping event witnessed a pout pouri of activities with several
cultural groups taking up celebrations; churches under the aegis of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
organizing sermons and many top Nigerians giving away their schedules in Lagos, Abuja and elsewhere to attend the Thursday event in Kogi
State. That such caliber of big men and captain of industries could storm Iyah Gbedde on a working day was a testimony of
the goodwill of Mama’s star child, Major
General David Medayese Jemibewon. As if living up
to the philosophy of his Middle name, ‘Medayese’ (I am not doing this world
alone) the funeral of the mother of the former Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army drew people from the
diplomatic community, business community, political circle and the clergy to Iyah-Gbedde
town with a large number of the General’s old and young friends storming his country
home to honor his mother’s memory.
 |
| General David Jemibewon in a tete-a-tete with Barrister Segun Awolowo & Barrister Tunde Ayeni |
which took place inside the General’s country home was handled by a
conglomerate of churches which includes The Apostolic Church, The
Catholic Church, Christ Apostolic Church and several
other Christian denominations from Ijumu & Mopa areas of Kogi
State under the banner of Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN). An
hour into the service, Mama’s body
arrived in a sparkling white Val Hearse. Her body was neatly laid inside a
stylishly brown oak wood casket with her name and date of departure inscribed
on the casket with the color of gold.
The undertaking company is BMC funerals led by Mr.
Bolaji Mendez who equally handled the funeral of General David Jemibewon’s
in-law, the late Chief JB Ajayi last year August in Orin Ekiti. Funny enough,
Chief
Ajayi a former Principal of St. Patrick Grammar School, Ibadan too was buried in the first week
of August
last year just (between 6th and 8th) like Mama
Emife Jemibewon. The Procession of Mama’s body from a Private Mortuary
in Kabba
down to her son’s country home was spiced with dancing and joyful display of
acrobatics by an accompanied musical band.
 |
| Lady Dupe Jemibewon celebrates with family members at the event |
How Oil baron Jide Omokore made first
outing to Jemibewon’s funeral…
outing to Jemibewon’s funeral…
Do you know
this man was the cynosure of all eyes immediately he stepped into the Iyah Gbede Country home of General
David Medayese Jemibewon for Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon’s
funeral?. Strong and lean whispers kept
flying about the actuality of his personality. The reason for this peculiar
action is not farfetched. This eminent Okun
son (The Yoruba tribes of Kogi West) has been facing some rough times in
the last couple of months as a result of some oil deals involving his company, Atlantic
Energy with the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
while former Petroleum Minister, Dieziani Alison Madueke was in
power. Jide Omokore’s name rings a bell in all corners of Nigeria and
his stepping into General David Jemibewon’s Iyah
Gbedde, Kogi country home on August 4 came with lots of big
surprise on people’s faces. But those who know the truth said Omokore
is one of General Jemibewon’s boys who have come a very long way with the
former minister of Police Affairs. The General is said to be one of Omokore’s
godfathers.
 |
| The General sharing a joke with some friends, including Billionaire Jide Omokore |
major stir in the Nigerian media with his out of this world octane wedding bash
for one of his scions in far away Dubai, the capital city of the United
Arab Emirate. His son who was marrying the daughter of a northern top
shot at the ministry of Petroleum (A Permanent Secretary) had gotten the
attention of the high and mighty in Nigeria inside world’s tallest recreation
facility, the 7 star Buruj-Al-Arab Hotel,
Dubai.
The Chairman of that Wedding reception was no other person than General
David Jemibewon. So, when Omokore came and waited till the
very end of the Christian Wake Keep for Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon, close
sources to the family were not surprised. Omokore who is happily married to
ex-Banker, Angella Ebagua is into oil trading and exploration, marine
business, haulage services, steel, dredging and real estate.
 |
| Ms. Folashade Olubo (Miss Kogi) with a male guest. |
Water-tight security at Jemibewon’s
country home
country home
The country
home of General David Medayese Jemibewon in Iyah Gbedde
came under water-tight security during the Thursday and Friday events as
various security agencies from local vigilante groups in Iyah Gbedde down to the
Nigerian Army, the Civil Defense Corps and the Nigerian Police manned every
exit routes of the General’s country home. All guests arriving for the event
were thoroughly searched at the gate and cleared before being allowed into the
premises. The Police team who comported themselves very well at the event were
led by Mr. Okoye Camillus a Superintendent of Police in charge of the Aiyetoro-Gbede Police Division, Kogi State while Mr. Dominic Amedu the Area
Commander, Nigeria Civil Defense Corps for Kogi
West ensured his boys gave the best security strategy for both the Thursday
Service of Songs event and Friday funeral rites. It was such a brilliant
synergy between the Police, the Civil Defense Corps and other sister agencies.
home of General David Medayese Jemibewon in Iyah Gbedde
came under water-tight security during the Thursday and Friday events as
various security agencies from local vigilante groups in Iyah Gbedde down to the
Nigerian Army, the Civil Defense Corps and the Nigerian Police manned every
exit routes of the General’s country home. All guests arriving for the event
were thoroughly searched at the gate and cleared before being allowed into the
premises. The Police team who comported themselves very well at the event were
led by Mr. Okoye Camillus a Superintendent of Police in charge of the Aiyetoro-Gbede Police Division, Kogi State while Mr. Dominic Amedu the Area
Commander, Nigeria Civil Defense Corps for Kogi
West ensured his boys gave the best security strategy for both the Thursday
Service of Songs event and Friday funeral rites. It was such a brilliant
synergy between the Police, the Civil Defense Corps and other sister agencies.
 |
| The GDA, a Police Officer & Mr. Dan Kotiko a famous Kabba based journalist |
How the Akanmode brothers shocked
General Jemibewon
General Jemibewon
For the 3
days events to be successful, a committee of friends of General David Jemibewon
was inaugurated. Heading the committee
as Chairman is Prince Sola Akanmode, a former Deputy Chief of Staff at the
Office of the Vice President of Nigeria during the reign of Vice
President Atiku Abubakar. Prince
Sola Akanmode and his younger brother, Prince Richard Akanmode
who was equally an ex-Deputy Chief of Staff to immediate past Deputy Governor
of Kogi
State, Architect Yomi Awoniyi ensured that the three days events were
not only timely but was well coordinated.
The Akanmode brothers who are also of the Okun stock in Kogi state are said to have come a long way with
the General and almost a part of his family.
Other Okun brothers of the General who made the event very impactful
are Colonel
Olusegun Oloruntoba (Who was also said to have handled a subcommittee
of the burial committee); the others are Honorable Karimi, Richard
Olonisha,
Jide
Omokore, Tunde Ayeni and many others.
days events to be successful, a committee of friends of General David Jemibewon
was inaugurated. Heading the committee
as Chairman is Prince Sola Akanmode, a former Deputy Chief of Staff at the
Office of the Vice President of Nigeria during the reign of Vice
President Atiku Abubakar. Prince
Sola Akanmode and his younger brother, Prince Richard Akanmode
who was equally an ex-Deputy Chief of Staff to immediate past Deputy Governor
of Kogi
State, Architect Yomi Awoniyi ensured that the three days events were
not only timely but was well coordinated.
The Akanmode brothers who are also of the Okun stock in Kogi state are said to have come a long way with
the General and almost a part of his family.
Other Okun brothers of the General who made the event very impactful
are Colonel
Olusegun Oloruntoba (Who was also said to have handled a subcommittee
of the burial committee); the others are Honorable Karimi, Richard
Olonisha,
Jide
Omokore, Tunde Ayeni and many others.
 |
| The Jemibewons offering the Christian hymns |
How Dupe Jemibewon pulled strings
If there is
one woman who is very smart and posses the ability to pull a crowd for an event
at a very short notice, the name of Chief
Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon will surely crop up. The beautiful wife of General
David Jemibewon is one of the co-organizers of the event which was
planned in less than 12 days. Apart from moving round Lagos and Abuja to
distribute Aso-Ebi and invitation letters to friends and well-wishers, Mrs.
Dupe Jemibewon who pulled the who-is-who in Lagos, Ibadan and Ekiti to her own father’s funeral at Orin
Ekiti last year was said to have delegated authority to some of her
aides and female associates to take care of guests invitation and other actions
related to the event. Some of her
kitchen associates and aides who helped her with last minute activities is Madam
Jane Nwabuzuba, her Personal Assistant of many years. Others are Madam Kehinde
Omofe, Mrs. Alice Awopetu, Mrs. Funmi Abiodun, Princess Pegacious
Sotanmi (Wife of Late General
Sotanmi) and Madam Dupe Omoniyi who coordinated the Ekiti State guest list.
one woman who is very smart and posses the ability to pull a crowd for an event
at a very short notice, the name of Chief
Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon will surely crop up. The beautiful wife of General
David Jemibewon is one of the co-organizers of the event which was
planned in less than 12 days. Apart from moving round Lagos and Abuja to
distribute Aso-Ebi and invitation letters to friends and well-wishers, Mrs.
Dupe Jemibewon who pulled the who-is-who in Lagos, Ibadan and Ekiti to her own father’s funeral at Orin
Ekiti last year was said to have delegated authority to some of her
aides and female associates to take care of guests invitation and other actions
related to the event. Some of her
kitchen associates and aides who helped her with last minute activities is Madam
Jane Nwabuzuba, her Personal Assistant of many years. Others are Madam Kehinde
Omofe, Mrs. Alice Awopetu, Mrs. Funmi Abiodun, Princess Pegacious
Sotanmi (Wife of Late General
Sotanmi) and Madam Dupe Omoniyi who coordinated the Ekiti State guest list.
 |
| The General’s first daughter and London based Mrs. Dele Anjorin (Nee Jemibewon) |
See what Dupe Jemibewon wrote about mother-in-law!
Do you know Chief
Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon wrote a moving tribute for Mama in the event
brochure?. Yes, she did. The tribute is titled “ODE TO A TOTAL MOTHER”. In the
tribute, the very pretty and charming wife of General David Medayese
Jemibewon described her mother-in-law as someone who didn’t bear
grudges towards anyone in her lifetime. She started the tribute with a
vernacular sentence “Iye Emife, Iya mi
toto, Iye omo” and added a question in English “So, you eventually slept?”
a prayer followed suit “May your soul
find eternal rest in the bossom of the Lord our savior—Amen” Mrs.
Jemibewon stated further “Mama,
you were a good person in all ramifications. You had a clear vision as to what
your children would become. You accepted
me, the whole of me as one of your children.
 |
| Barrister Olatunde Ayeni with Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon |
son, David Medaiyese very, very
comfortable. You stood for for the truth and you lived by the truth” “You bore no malice towards anybody, indeed
you were my pillar of strenght and comfort in this my Jerusalem. You gave me a
charge to carry out, I hope I did not disappoint your beautiful person. When my
mom passed on in 2009, you told me I still have you around, I should not be
afraid. I thank you Mama Emife, our small talks stopped a while ago. I knew the
end was near. I started missing you. I will miss you forever Iye Omo, Iya o
Oloto, sun re o. Emi ni o Iye” (Mama Lola Modupe Ajayi Jemibewon). What a
moving tribute? 106 Gbosa for Aunty Dupe!
 |
| A Crowd of Guests from all walks of life storm Iyah Gbedde for Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon |
Gen. Jemibewon extols mum in his
tribute
tribute
Although,
Mama’s first and only surviving son, Major
General David Medayese Jemibewon (Rtd) was in and out of
bad and good moods for the three days he burried his mother, Mama
Rachael Emife Jemibewon. But his glowing tribute for Mama in the event
brochure sunmed up everything his mood stood for. The former Adjutant General
of the Nigeria Army started with a
question “Where do I begin?” before
he continued “I am what I am today by the
grace of God and the industrious and inimitable financial support Mama gave my
dad wilingly and totally” “I didn’t know honestly, that Mama could live these
years after loosing my immediate two younger brothers almost in succession; Kehinde Jemibewon on 24, October 2005
and Idowu Jemibewon on 25, May 2007,
but the Almighty sustained her. When I had a nasty accident in February 2000,
all my thoughts were centered first on my mother”. “To say I would miss her is
not to admit that a critical part of me has indeed joyfully died. My mother
remained full of life till the end. To witness this incredible physical
specimen deteriorate but remained mentally alert and independent as ever always
broke me down each time I was with her in the last few years. I am deeply
grateful to God for granting her this final relief” Jemibewon wrote.
Mama’s first and only surviving son, Major
General David Medayese Jemibewon (Rtd) was in and out of
bad and good moods for the three days he burried his mother, Mama
Rachael Emife Jemibewon. But his glowing tribute for Mama in the event
brochure sunmed up everything his mood stood for. The former Adjutant General
of the Nigeria Army started with a
question “Where do I begin?” before
he continued “I am what I am today by the
grace of God and the industrious and inimitable financial support Mama gave my
dad wilingly and totally” “I didn’t know honestly, that Mama could live these
years after loosing my immediate two younger brothers almost in succession; Kehinde Jemibewon on 24, October 2005
and Idowu Jemibewon on 25, May 2007,
but the Almighty sustained her. When I had a nasty accident in February 2000,
all my thoughts were centered first on my mother”. “To say I would miss her is
not to admit that a critical part of me has indeed joyfully died. My mother
remained full of life till the end. To witness this incredible physical
specimen deteriorate but remained mentally alert and independent as ever always
broke me down each time I was with her in the last few years. I am deeply
grateful to God for granting her this final relief” Jemibewon wrote.
 |
| General David Jemibewon, Bar. Segun Awolowo Jnr. & Ms Maureen Ideozu |
How Kogi Oil baron, Abiodun Ojo storm
Iyah for Jemibewon
Iyah for Jemibewon
This tall
and ebony colored man seems to hate press cameras because he sat very quietly
under one of the all white canopies facing that of General David Jemibewon
and his family. Nobody will ever know this man is one of the richest oil barons
in the entire middle belt area and in Kogi
State particularly. His name is Chief Abiodun Ojo, he is the founder
of Biodun
Ojo & Sons, an oil marketing concern with several petrol stations
in Kogi
State. Some unconfirmed reports have it
that he was a two time commissioner of Finance under the regime of ex-Governor Ibrahim
Idris of Kogi State. Chief Ojo came in quietly and left
quietly.
and ebony colored man seems to hate press cameras because he sat very quietly
under one of the all white canopies facing that of General David Jemibewon
and his family. Nobody will ever know this man is one of the richest oil barons
in the entire middle belt area and in Kogi
State particularly. His name is Chief Abiodun Ojo, he is the founder
of Biodun
Ojo & Sons, an oil marketing concern with several petrol stations
in Kogi
State. Some unconfirmed reports have it
that he was a two time commissioner of Finance under the regime of ex-Governor Ibrahim
Idris of Kogi State. Chief Ojo came in quietly and left
quietly.
 |
| Mama loved her childen and great-grand children |
About Dan Kunle, Gen. Jemibewon’s
childhood friend who cannot forget mama’s Jollof rice
childhood friend who cannot forget mama’s Jollof rice
Do you know Dan
Kunle was one of the earliest callers to Mama’s wake keeping service on
Thursday, August 4th?. This Abuja based international business man
who is also a son of the soil is one of those who grew in what can be called Mama
Emife’s lodge in Iyah. It was said that in those
days, Mama was very gifted in the art of cooking jollof rice with red oil and iru
(traditional Maggi) Dan Kunle is said to be one the General’s young friends who
often visit Mama not just because of
her endless prayers but because of her ‘Red
oil Jollof rice peppered with Iru’
amidst other ingredients. He confirmed
this to us in a short chat ‘Yes, I was
one of those who deliciously enjoyed
Mama’s Rice’ (Laughter)
Kunle was one of the earliest callers to Mama’s wake keeping service on
Thursday, August 4th?. This Abuja based international business man
who is also a son of the soil is one of those who grew in what can be called Mama
Emife’s lodge in Iyah. It was said that in those
days, Mama was very gifted in the art of cooking jollof rice with red oil and iru
(traditional Maggi) Dan Kunle is said to be one the General’s young friends who
often visit Mama not just because of
her endless prayers but because of her ‘Red
oil Jollof rice peppered with Iru’
amidst other ingredients. He confirmed
this to us in a short chat ‘Yes, I was
one of those who deliciously enjoyed
Mama’s Rice’ (Laughter)
 |
| The General appreciate an Igbo traditional band from Imo State which came to perform at his Mum’s Wake Keep Service |
Mama’s Pastor reveals her habits
Pastor R.J Silas is mama’s Pastor in her life
time. Sources at the event said Mama had already instructed that he
must be the one to preach at her funeral and that she conveyed the message to
her children months before her demise.
time. Sources at the event said Mama had already instructed that he
must be the one to preach at her funeral and that she conveyed the message to
her children months before her demise.
The Pastor
while delivering sermon amidst the event of service of songs/lying-in-state
gave his own testimony of the late Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon describing her as ‘an epitome of family bond’. He said
in her life time Mama’s major passion
was to connect everybody in the family. “She
made sure both the successful and the not too successful came together so that
the successful ones among her children can aid the less privileged ones. Her
spirit of motherhood touched everybody both within her immediate and extended
family”. The man of God went ahead to tell the crowd of elite guests to
always remember their villages and contribute to the development of their place
of birth “Remember your village. Your
village is your fountain and you cannot run away from your fountain”. The
man of God added “It is not good that you
are a Governor, a Senator or a minister and your brother is driving Okada
(motor cycle) around the village. Help them, develop them. That is what Mama
did for her children and other people’s children during her lifetime. She did
her best to connect and she detests underdevelopment in the life of people
around her. I know her and my relationship with her is quite long. That was why
she lived so long on earth. It is good to be good”. Other Men of God who joined Pastor
Silas
to conduct the service are Pastor M.E. Agbenyi (Iyah Gbedde
district Apostle), Pastor MB Ibrahim (Ayere district Pastor), Pastor P.E. Abodunde
(Olorunsogo Assembly Pastor), Pastor J.O. Bonibayede (Temidire
Assembly Pastor), Pastor D.O. Ajayi (Oloruntedo Assembly Pastor), Pastor
T.S. Olowosaye and a conglomerate of Choristers.
while delivering sermon amidst the event of service of songs/lying-in-state
gave his own testimony of the late Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon describing her as ‘an epitome of family bond’. He said
in her life time Mama’s major passion
was to connect everybody in the family. “She
made sure both the successful and the not too successful came together so that
the successful ones among her children can aid the less privileged ones. Her
spirit of motherhood touched everybody both within her immediate and extended
family”. The man of God went ahead to tell the crowd of elite guests to
always remember their villages and contribute to the development of their place
of birth “Remember your village. Your
village is your fountain and you cannot run away from your fountain”. The
man of God added “It is not good that you
are a Governor, a Senator or a minister and your brother is driving Okada
(motor cycle) around the village. Help them, develop them. That is what Mama
did for her children and other people’s children during her lifetime. She did
her best to connect and she detests underdevelopment in the life of people
around her. I know her and my relationship with her is quite long. That was why
she lived so long on earth. It is good to be good”. Other Men of God who joined Pastor
Silas
to conduct the service are Pastor M.E. Agbenyi (Iyah Gbedde
district Apostle), Pastor MB Ibrahim (Ayere district Pastor), Pastor P.E. Abodunde
(Olorunsogo Assembly Pastor), Pastor J.O. Bonibayede (Temidire
Assembly Pastor), Pastor D.O. Ajayi (Oloruntedo Assembly Pastor), Pastor
T.S. Olowosaye and a conglomerate of Choristers.
 |
| Mama in her very last days on earth |
How Miss Kogi stormed Mama’s
Wake Keep
Wake Keep
This very
pretty final year student of Kogi State
University is the Present Miss Kogi (2015-2016). Her name is Olubo Folashade. She stormed the
event and never left until the very end. Olubo Folashade who was personally
identified by General David Jemibewon is studying Library
Studies.
pretty final year student of Kogi State
University is the Present Miss Kogi (2015-2016). Her name is Olubo Folashade. She stormed the
event and never left until the very end. Olubo Folashade who was personally
identified by General David Jemibewon is studying Library
Studies.
 |
| Business tycoons storm Iyah Gbedde for General David Jemibewon’s Mother’s funeral |
About ex-NTA big girl and her
complimentary card
complimentary card
Ronke Bello is one of Abuja (Nigeria’s capital
city) big girls as she once worked with the Nigerian Television Authority
until she resigned her appointment during the era of President Goodluck
Jonathan to pick a media and protocol job at the Presidency. She was
equally a close friend of the former First Lady Patience Jonathan. The ebony beautiful lady is said to be a famous
indigene of Okun land in Kogi State. She holds a prominent title
from Mopa-Moro land. Ronke
Bello is the Erelu of Mopa land. Her new
complimentary cards described her as a ‘Doctor’. The card which is very simple
in design and majorly printed in three colors of white, black and gold has her
name written as ‘Ronke Bello’ (Ph.D)
with her London and Nigerian telephone lines inscribed on one side of the
aesthetically matured complimentary card. At the back of the card is her private
email address and worldwide address (www.ronkebello.com). Dr. Ronke Bello who left
the Presidency after President Muhammad Buhari took over
on May 29, 2015 is now a private content producer.
 |
| Chief Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon…The Merry Maker |
of many eyes as she was dressed smartly for the Thursday Wake Keep/Service of
Song for Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon.
How Billionaires Tunde Ayeni stormed
Iyah with Awolowo’s Grand Son
Iyah with Awolowo’s Grand Son
John Olatunde Ayeni the immediate Past Chairman of Skye
Bank PLC and new owner of NITEL (now MTEL) is a famous business man
known across Nigeria. His businesses cut across law, oil and gas, banking and
finance, telecommunications and real estate. But to the Jemibewon family of Iyah-Gbedde, he is one of those boys who grew
in the household. Last year, himself and one of his aides, John Darlington
(Former MD of Bond Bank which was one of the banks accumulated by Skye
Bank) were at Orin Ekiti to mourn with the Jemibewons
over the demise of the General’s Father-in-law, Chief JB Ajayi. He
stormed Iyah Gbede on Thursday afternoon in company of grandson of the late
Political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the person of Barrister Segun
Awolowo Jnr who is the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The two big men arrived
some minutes after 6pm as the wake keeping was rounding up. Sources close to
the family said Mr. Ayeni and his friend; Barrister Segun Awolowo came
straight from Abuja. The third person who arrived with them is Ms.
Maureen Ideozu, Technical Advisor to the Executive Director, NEPC, Mr.
Segun Awolowo. The day of Mama’s
wake keep was exactly a month since the tall and handsome Iyah Gbede born business
guru stepped down as Chairman of Skye Bank Plc. His arrival to
the General’s country home immediately lit up the ambience of the funeral as
the General and his wife, Madam Dupe Jemibewon threw banters
with him and Segun Awolowo.
Bank PLC and new owner of NITEL (now MTEL) is a famous business man
known across Nigeria. His businesses cut across law, oil and gas, banking and
finance, telecommunications and real estate. But to the Jemibewon family of Iyah-Gbedde, he is one of those boys who grew
in the household. Last year, himself and one of his aides, John Darlington
(Former MD of Bond Bank which was one of the banks accumulated by Skye
Bank) were at Orin Ekiti to mourn with the Jemibewons
over the demise of the General’s Father-in-law, Chief JB Ajayi. He
stormed Iyah Gbede on Thursday afternoon in company of grandson of the late
Political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the person of Barrister Segun
Awolowo Jnr who is the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The two big men arrived
some minutes after 6pm as the wake keeping was rounding up. Sources close to
the family said Mr. Ayeni and his friend; Barrister Segun Awolowo came
straight from Abuja. The third person who arrived with them is Ms.
Maureen Ideozu, Technical Advisor to the Executive Director, NEPC, Mr.
Segun Awolowo. The day of Mama’s
wake keep was exactly a month since the tall and handsome Iyah Gbede born business
guru stepped down as Chairman of Skye Bank Plc. His arrival to
the General’s country home immediately lit up the ambience of the funeral as
the General and his wife, Madam Dupe Jemibewon threw banters
with him and Segun Awolowo.
 |
| Business Man, Dan Kunle…the man who enjoyed Mama’s red oil Jollof Rice |
Why Segun Awolowo stormed Iyah Gbedde
If there is
one man that really earned the gratitude of General David Jemibewon
among his external guests, he is no other person than Mr. Segun Awolowo Jnr,
the grandson of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Executive
Director of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
This very handsome lawyer turned administrator is not only close to the Jemibewon family of Iyah-Gbedde but is
also the boss to Omolola Jemibewon the beautiful daughter of General
Jemibewon born to him by his darling wife, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon (Nee Ajayi). Omolola,
a London School of economics trained administrator is one of the top executives
of Nigeria
Export Promotion Council, Abuja. She is said to be a dynamic and
innovative staff due to her experience and exposure in USA, London and South Korea. Omolola according to
close sources is a Special Advisor to Mr. Awolowo. Segun
Awolowo Jnr. was not only visible at the Wake Keeping Service; he was
equally at the burial site the next day and the church service after the
funeral. He didn’t leave Iyah Gbedde until the entire event
for Mama
Rachael Emife Jemibewon came to an end.
one man that really earned the gratitude of General David Jemibewon
among his external guests, he is no other person than Mr. Segun Awolowo Jnr,
the grandson of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Executive
Director of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
This very handsome lawyer turned administrator is not only close to the Jemibewon family of Iyah-Gbedde but is
also the boss to Omolola Jemibewon the beautiful daughter of General
Jemibewon born to him by his darling wife, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon (Nee Ajayi). Omolola,
a London School of economics trained administrator is one of the top executives
of Nigeria
Export Promotion Council, Abuja. She is said to be a dynamic and
innovative staff due to her experience and exposure in USA, London and South Korea. Omolola according to
close sources is a Special Advisor to Mr. Awolowo. Segun
Awolowo Jnr. was not only visible at the Wake Keeping Service; he was
equally at the burial site the next day and the church service after the
funeral. He didn’t leave Iyah Gbedde until the entire event
for Mama
Rachael Emife Jemibewon came to an end.
(Watch out
for the PART 2 of Happenstances inside General Jemibewon’s Country home during
mother, Emife’s funeral on this blog shortly)
for the PART 2 of Happenstances inside General Jemibewon’s Country home during
mother, Emife’s funeral on this blog shortly)
 |
| A Cross Section of Clergy men at the event |
 |
| Another Cross Section of Guests at the Wake Keeping Event |
 |
| Barrister Olatunde Ayeni (M) with some VIPs during the Christian Wake Keep of Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon |
 |
| Billionaire Jide Omokore storm Iyah Gbedde for the Jemibewons |
 |
| Brochure of the Service of Songs |
 |
| Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon in a celebration mood |
 |
| Dr. (Mrs.) Ronke Bello (PhD) |
 |
| Even in Death, the Jemibewons revere their mum |
 |
| Even in Death; People of Iyah Gbedde still rush after Mama Rachael Emife Jemibewon as she gets her last ride on earth |
 |
| Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Architect Yomi Awoniyi inspecting Mama’s face inside the Casket Chambers |
 |
| Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Architect Yomi Awoniyi with General David Medayese Jemibewon |
 |
| General Jemibewon, Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Jemibewon Mrs. Janet Owadokun (Nee Jemibewon) |
 |
| Mama and her Preferred Husband, Jembe, the man whose gene produced DAVID JEMIBEWON an Army General |
 |
| Mama’s body arrives courtesy BMC Funerals |
 |
| Prince Akanmode welcoming Barrister Segun Awolowo Jnr and Barrister Tunde Ayeni to Mama Emife’s wake keep service |
 |
| Princess Tessy Alero Yembra with the GDA of Asabeafrika |
 |
| The Brochure of the High Class Event |
 |
| The General giving his mum the final salutation |
 |
| The General’s Scion, Femi Jemibewon |
 |
| The Jemibewon Family step out for offering time |
 |
| The Trumpeters at ease with themselves at Mama’s Service of Songs |
 |
| Tradition & Cultute took a better part of the carnival like event |
 |
| Trumpet for the Big Boys… |
In Life, always pray to be able to
celebrate your weddings, funerals and other events on www.asabeafrika.com… It is your right to be H-a-p-p-y!
celebrate your weddings, funerals and other events on www.asabeafrika.com… It is your right to be H-a-p-p-y!
