Babalaje of Remoland, Otunba Joseph Ogunfuwa Laid To Rest Amidst Blaze Of Tributes

The remains of the 83-year-old Babalaje of Remoland, Otunba Joseph Adediji Olafuyi Ogunfuwa has been laid to rest amidst blaze of tributes from family, friends and associates all of whom described him as an uncommon community leader that prioritised selfless service above any other consideration.

Pageantry and encomium were given for the life well spent by a man that doubled as Otunba and Olootu Omoba of Ode Lemo, and Baba Oba of Latawa, Sagamu, both kingdoms in Ogun State. He was an icon, a family man, renowned community leader.

The week-long burial activities of the late Otunba Joseph Ogunfuwa who also was the Asoju of Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) Incorporated, Lagos Region 7 and Baba Oba of Latawa, Sagamu, Ogun State  started with hunting expedition by the Hunters Association of Nigeria. This was followed by the display of ‘Pampa Apepe’ Gbedu Oba drumming and cultural demonstrations by wives and princesses of king and princes.

Other activities include ‘Iwolefu ceremony’, where family members gathered to contribute generously for the burial of the deceased. All these first set of the ceremony was held at Ode-Lemo, the maternal ancestry home of Babalaje of Remoland, where he was honoured with the titles of Otunba and Olootu Omo’ba chieftaincy.

There was also a Service of Songs held for the late community leader at his residence in GRA, Sagamu after which his remains were committed to mother earth at Latawa, Sagamu after funeral ceremony anchored by the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria.

Those who came to bid farewell to the late Babalaje of Remoland were later treated to sumptuous meal and good music at  Sagamu Grammar School, High Court Road.

At the Service of Songs ceremony held at his residence in Sagamu GRA, Otunba Ogunfuwa’s life was described as one hidden in God his creator, while he was described as a man who dedicated his life to serving God and humanity.

Speaking briefly during the Service of Songs, the clergyman, Bro. Venerable Olusoji Peters described the Late Otunba Ogunfuwa as a very gallant and highly disciplined man who lived a simple life and was very committed to serving God and caring for the people around him.

Ministering at the funeral service also held at his GRA residence, the clergyman, Bro. Rev. Bola Oyeledo, who gave words of exhortation said Otunba Ogunfuwa was known as a man that was very time conscious and lived a very impactful life urging the people to also be ready to live for God and humanity.

According to him, “Otunba has gone to meet his creator. Our lives doesn’t end as long as Christ lives. Otunba told people how he would be buried. Dying in righteousness would lead us to eternity. What matters most is where we go after death, which is the concept of eternity. This gives me a great joy because the late Otunba lived a pleasant life for God and humanity”.

“Otunba was a role model to many of us. He was very instrumental to the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria among other groups he belongs. He was a humble man and agile; he was just a great man”.

“Rev. Oyeledo, further harped on having the righteous at the helms of affairs in the country because the scripture says that when the righteous rule, the people would certainly rejoice saying that one day would be here when everyone would account for his stewardship before the Almighty God.

While urging the children to hold aloft the ideal of their late father, Rev. Oyeledo urged everyone to always think of what people would say about them after exiting this world.

Paying glowing tribute to the late community leader, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who is the current Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District described the late Otunba Ogunfuwa as an active community leader who substantially contributed his quota towards the development of the State and the country at large during his lifetime.

“During his time, Otunba Ogunfuwa was an active community leader, which was evident in his being the Pioneer Chairman for Ode-Lemo Development Council, a position he held for 15years. As the head of all Princes and Princesses of Ode-Lemo, he was known for his uncommon leadership. while as the Babalaje of Remoland. Otunba Ogunfuwa left his name with an indelible mark across Ogun State in particular and Nigeria in general. He was an elder statesman and an embodiment of integrity, love and unity”.

In the same vein, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adewale Babatunde Ajayi in his condolence message affirmed that Otunba Ogunfuwa left a legacy of honesty, integrity, fairness, compassion and loyalty, praying that the Almighty God would grant strength, wisdom and courage to the children left behind to sustain their father’s rich legacy of selfless service.

The Reformed Ogboni Fraternity (ROF) members, while commiserating with the entire family of Ogunfuwa, could not just but eulogised their foremost late leader, describing him as a giant pillar of the fraternity and father-figure to many of them.

The representative of the fraternity said, “As we mourn Otunba Ogunfuwa, we remember those of you who were very close to him, may our great ‘Onile’ grant our ‘Asoju’ eternal rest, comfort and give the family fortitude to bear the separation”.

In the condolence letter to the family, which was signed by Bro. Funto Adebayo, the District Grand Secretary, it posited that Otunba remained a pillar of support and guidance to the numerous brethren as well as the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria.

He said that the group remains eternally indebted to him for his unparalleled generosity, for he freely gave of himself and his spirit during his life time. “We take solace in the fact that he rose to eminence by merit, he lived respected and died regretted”.

Mr. and Mrs. Adeyinka-Adeyeye in their condolence described death as something inevitable, adding that, “When a man has done what he considers his duty to his people and to his society at large, then he can rest in peace. Otunba Ogunfuwa left some beautiful memories that will never fade away from our hearts. This is the price you pay for having a great father and a wonderful uncle.

“You get the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and you get the tears at the end, too. Uncle Chief, you will be missed forever and always. The beautiful moments you shared with us will always speak of the great person that you were. Gone yet not forgotten; although we are apart, your memory lives within us”.

Dr. Olusola Ogunfuwa on his parts with parables. He said of Otunba Ogunfuwa: “No amount of words can quantify the loss of this rare gem”. But speaking with one the children, Mrs. Abiodun Ogunfuwa, she said, Otunba Ogunfuwa was a father, a very fantastic father in a million, he loved his children, he catered for their needs, he loved family and his associates, I have the confidence that he’s currently with his creator. May God rest his soul and preserve us that are his children”.

In the same vein, Dr. Adeyinka Ogunfuwa during his interaction with The Issues magazine described his late father as God sent to the family, emphasing not every father values the importance of children. “Our father has made us who we are today. Among us, we are all achievers, we have his rich legacy to protect and this we shall do with all honour and dedication, his legacy shall remain for life”.

Other reputable personalities that graced the last part of the funeral ceremony included the Akarigbo who is the paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Adewale Babatunde Ajayi; the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator representing Ogun East.

The guests were later treated to assorted meals with solid music at the grand party held at Makun High School playing ground, High Court Road, Makun, Sagamu.