The late Iyalode of Yorubaland, Alaba Lawson, was given a befitting funeral service on Friday 8 December 2023 before her remains weres committed to mother earth.
It was a roll call of who is who in Egbaland and the world over that besieged Abeokuta to bid her goodnight.
Prominent among the dignitaries were Former President Olusegun Obasanjo;, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and a former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun .
Other dignitaries at the Church service held at The African Church Cathedral of St. James, Idi-ape, Abeokuta, included the Deputy governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former military administrators;, Senator Shuaib Salis, representing Ogun Central senatorial district; Ogun Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo , former Nigeria Ambassador to United Kingdom, Alhaji Tunji Sarafa Ishola and Asiwaju of Ijesaland Yinka Fasuyi.
Others were former deputy governors, Salmot Badru and Yetunde Onanuga; the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Yemi Sanusi; chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi and top government functionaries.
Lawson, who was buried in the compound of one of Lawson Group of schools in Abeokuta, died on October 28 at the age of 72.
In his tribute Governor Abiodun described the late Iyalode as an illustrious daughter of the state whom the entire indigenes were proud of.
The governor said Lawson made use of her training in education to establish the Lawson Group of Schools which she used to impact the lives of many children.
The Governor said: “She was a role model to most of the children. She was eloquent, civilised and remained very cultural and holding on to traditional values. She was an advocate and championed the women rights. She gives freely, happily and cheerfully. She was courageous and principled. I can’t thank you enough for the support you gave me in my political journey. We love you but God loves you more.”
“Our government will do what is necessary to sustain the legacy left behind by you”
In his sermon, Most Rev. Julius Abbe, Primate of the African Church, described the deceased as a kind and generous woman.
He explained that Lawson touched lives positively, ” it will be difficult to forget her impact at the home front , church and society at large.”
The primate, took his sermon from Mathew 5 vs 8 and Hebrew 12 vs 14.
He said the late Iyalode served God with a pure heart, “she is heavenly bound ”
” She was truthful, believed in the truth and stood for truth. A beautiful woman with a golden heart. A defender for the defenseless and a fighter for the poor.
” ‘Iyalode ‘ means a reliable and a dependable mother anytime anywhere, a godly and golden mother,” he said.
Primate Abbe used the opportunity to call on government to urgently do something to bring succor to the suffering masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.
” The prices of everything have gone up. Please do something when you have the opportunity. Remember the poor in the land”
Many he said could not feed well and those who were sick were finding it difficult to receive adequate medicare for lack of funds.
He reminded the leadership that the wealthy ones ” are living in opulence not minding those who are eking out their livelihoods.”
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
