Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has constituted a committee to organise a befitting state burial for the former first lady of the state, Chief Lucia Onabanjo.
Widow of a former Ogun State Governor, Chief Bisi Onabanjo, who served the state as the first civilian governor from 1 October 1979 to 31 December 1983, Madam Onabanjo died at the age of 100 on 12 January. The former governor died on 14 April 1990. He was 63 years old.
During a condolence visit to the Onabanjo family in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, Abiodun said that the committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the state government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi. Other members include the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo.
Describing the departed as an exemplary First Lady, the governor said that she used her position to render selfless service to God and humanity.
He stressed that the state would be fully involved in giving her a dignified and well-deserved burial.
He said: ‘Mama lived for 100 years and would have been 101 this year. She lived a ripe and fulfilled life, leaving behind legacies of impact that call for the celebration of a well-lived, purposeful and meaningful existence.
‘She was married to a renowned journalist and an outstanding governor in his time, who established landmark institutions such as the Ogun State Television and the Olabisi Onabanjo University, among others.
‘Mama Lucia herself was a trained teacher, a supportive wife who travelled round the country with her husband, a devoted homemaker, a doting and loving mother, and an exemplary First Lady’.
Abiodun noted that although the state mourns her departure, there is much to be thankful for, considering the impactful life she lived.
‘Though we mourn the departure of a great woman, a titan, a former First Lady, and an industrious daughter of Ijebu land and Ogun State, we should be grateful that she lived a life worthy of emulation’, he said.
He also urged people to live lives of positive impact, noting that death is inevitable regardless of age.
‘No matter how long a man lives on earth, death is certain. It is only a question of when God will call us home’, the governor added.
While acknowledging that Onabanjo lived to a ripe age, Abiodun described her death as a great loss not only to her family but also to Ogun State and the country at large.
He prayed for the repose of her soul and urged members of the family to take solace in the fact that she lived and departed honourably.
On behalf of the family, Barrister Bukola Onabanjo recounted the events leading to her mother’s final moments and expressed gratitude for the godly upbringing she gave her children.
She also appreciated the governor, the state government, and the people of the state for their support and solidarity with the family.
Mrs. Onabanjo was born on 26 October 1925.
