Onpetu Princess, Esther Adenihun Omoloye Ojo-Odesola, 93, buried in Ogbomoso amid testimonies
pannigeriannews
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The remains of an Onpetu royal family princess, Madam Esther Adenihun Omoloye Ojo-Odesola, who passed away at the age of 93, have been laid to rest in Ogbomoso amid glowing tributes and testimonies celebrating her exemplary life of faith, industry and service to humanity.
Family members, church leaders, friends and well-wishers who gathered for the funeral rites, Christian wake and church services described the late nonagenarian as a true believer in Jesus Christ, a prayer warrior and a cheerful giver whose life positively impacted many within and beyond her immediate community.
Delivering the funeral sermon, former Minister-in-Charge of Ijeru Baptist Church, Ijeru area, Ogbomoso, Revd Dr. Mike Ayo-Obiremi, charged the bereaved family and the congregation to emulate the life of dedication, service, godliness and industry for which Princess Ojo-Odesola was renowned.
Princess Ojo-Odesola was born about 93 years ago in Laege Village into the family of Baba Oyesola Akeem Sanusi and Mama Aworonke Abeke Sanusi of Adepeju Compound, Ijeru, Ogbomoso. She was the youngest of four children born to her mother.
She married the late Pa John Ayodele Ojo-Odesola on January 1, 1959, and their union was blessed with children.
Those who knew the couple described their marriage as one built on love, mutual support and a shared commitment to Christian values.
The deceased was generally described as an industrious woman who began her working life in garri and palm oil production before establishing herself as a successful provisions merchant.
Her business flourished to the extent that she became a distributor for Lever Brothers. Despite her success, she continued trading in palm oil, kola nuts and bitter kola until the latter years of her life.
Beyond her business accomplishments, Mama Ojo-Odesola was remembered for her commitment to God.
Before her marriage, she worshipped at Laege Baptist Church and later became an active member of Ijeru Baptist Church, where she served faithfully for decades.
She was treasurer of the church’s Ore-Ofe Society for more than 30 years and earned widespread respect for her integrity, dedication and faithful stewardship.
Family members recalled that following her conversion to Christ in 1981, she demonstrated remarkable obedience to her faith by immediately giving up the sale of cigarettes, despite the financial sacrifice the decision entailed.
She was widely known as a prayer warrior whose residence became a centre for prayer meetings and Bible study, while her deep Christian faith inspired her husband, children and many others.
As an active member of the Women Missionary Union (WMU), she received several recognitions for her outstanding commitment to God’s work.
Although she had no opportunity for formal education in her early years, Princess Ojo-Odesola later enrolled in church adult education, where she learned to read, write and perform basic arithmetic, reflecting her determination for self-improvement.q
Speakers at the services also described her as a cheerful giver, a compassionate woman, a lover of peace and a generous soul who extended kindness beyond her family to everyone who came in contact with her.
They expressed gratitude for what they described as a life well spent in the service of God and humanity, noting that her enduring legacy of faith, prayer, generosity and selfless service would continue to inspire generations.
Princess Ojo-Odesola is survived by her children: Mrs. Adebola Mabayoje, Mrs. Olabimpe Ajamu, Mr. Akin Ojo-Odesola, Mrs. Titilola Ayoola, Mrs. Olajoju Adeogun, Mr. Bolarinwa Ojo-Odesola and Dr. Odunola Adebayo, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other members of the extended Ojo-Odesola and Onpetu royal families.
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