Kunle Adelabu
-As remains interred in Igbogbo
Eminent personalities and others joined family members of the late community leader and the late Baba Ijo of the Cathedral Church, Elder (Chief) Abayomi Oyebola Okusanya (JP.), on Thursday, July 3rd, to give him a befitting burial ceremony.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council, Lagos State, Sen. (Dr.) Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works and another chieftain of the GAC, Chief Joseph O. Ahisu, Deputy Lay President (Representing the Lay President) UAMC Organisation, Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju – Member, Board of Registered Trustees (representing the Chairman of the BOT, Dr. Akinola Ajose Ogunlewe) Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mr Waheed Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Lagos State and Mr Shakirudeen Odusanya, former General Manager, Lagos State Printing Press, were among many other dignitaries that gathered at the United African Methodist Church Cathedral (UAMCC), Igbogbo with children and other family members of Elder Okusanya (JP.), for the burial service.
The remains of late religious leader were committed to mother earth at Bashorun area of Igbogbo, his home town in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, on Thursday, amid eulogies from eminent individuals and groups.
He died last Thursday, June 26th, in Igbogbo at the age of 87.
The burial service presided over by the His Eminence J. A. Ojaoba (JP) – Primate, UAMC Organisation, with His Grace, The Most Revd. N. A. Olabisi, delivering the sermon. The host presiding office, His Grace, The Most Rev. M.I. Toyi, Archbishop, Diocese of Lagos, among others were in attendance
During the service, while paying tributes to the late Chief Okusanya, one of his daughters recited his ‘Oriki’ which invoked emotion throughout the Church with siblings joining her in singing, “Our Papa be dis o, we no get another” round the casket of their late father placed before the altar.
Also paying tributes were members of the Male and Female Providence Societies of the Church and those of the First Club, Igbogbo, who jointly sang the societies’ anthem round the casket. President f the society, Elder Taiwo Ayeni, in his tribute on behalf of the society said that late Chief Okusanya lived a good and fulfilled life and wished hm an eternal passage.
The Choir of the Cathedral Church in their own tributes staged a parade round the Church, and also sang circling the casket before retreating to tier seats to delivered a special number.
In his tribute, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo described late Okusanya as a father of all whose death has created a big vaccum.
“Our father was a community leader; a family man and a worker in the House of the Lord. The vacuum created by your loss will take time to be filled. We pray to God Almighty to uphold your household and grant you eternal rest”
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo, also paying tributes to departed whom he described as his very dear whom he grew up with at Itun Abosan quarters in Igbogbo, said that he was a religious man adding that he had a unique lifestyle.
“Yomi was very religious, and has a passion for the United African Methodist Church (UAMC). He inherited his love for Christ, from his grandmother mother, Bernice Temimefun (Iya jo Methodist Church, Igbobo).
Second and, most importantly, his father was The General Superintendent and Spiritual Head of UAMC Worldwide for many years before he passed on. No wonder, therefore, Yomi became the Baba Ijo of UAMC Cathedral, Igbogbo and held the passion until his home call by Our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
“Your lifestyle was unique. He grew uo to take life easy, and those close to him can testify to this attribute. He is frank to a fault, and does not compromise on a position hoe holds dear. We have missed him in the family and, in the UMAC, as their Baba Ijo,” Asiwaju Basorun said.
Among other eminent personalities that graced the burial service were Olori Kasali and members of the Adebruwa – in – Council representing His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Smiudeen Kasali,Prof. Michael Ajetunmobi, former Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Group (IDRDG), Prof. Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan, on his recent emergence as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, Mr Shakiru Odusanya, former General Manager, Lagos State Printing Press, and Dr. Wole Ogunyemi, FCIB, an Associate Professor with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Conference of Igbogbo Indigenes In Civil and Public Service (COIICPS).
After his interment at home, guests were entertained at the Miksson Onas Event Hall, Igbogbo.
