* She was a great mother, with virtues of discipline, hard work, says Dapo Abiodun
* Our mother was ever accommodating, supportive of good ambitions, Son Hafeez
Alhaja Alirat Àdùnní Matemilola (Née Bolaji), the mother of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, has been buried according to Islamic rites at the Abari Cemetery in Isalẹ Eko, Lagos Island, Lagos.
Muslim News gathered that Alhaja Matemilola, a devout Muslim, died in the early hours of Sunday, October 27, at the Olowu ‘s palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State, aged 81.
The Olowu of Owu, Oba Matemilola, we were reliably informed received the news with some sadness but grateful to Almighty Allah that his beloved mother died a practicing Muslim.
The remains of the deceased was later conveyed to Lagos after receiving spiritual cleansing in accordance with Islamic teachings.
They were joined by other family members at the Abari cemetery in Lagos where the Chief Imam of Owu kingdom, Alhaji Kehinde Sulaiman led hundreds of sympathizers in the janazah (funeral prayers) for the matriarch of the royal household of Owu Kingdom.
Alhaja Alirat was buried where her husband, Alhaji Sulaimon Matemilola was also buried six years ago (June 2018).
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun commiserated with Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola, describing Mama’s demise as a great loss, not only to her family and the Owu Kingdom, but the entire state.
He described the late Alhaja Matemilola as a great mother, who imbibed in her children the virtues of discipline, hard work, and quality leadership, which the Olowu has been exhibiting since his ascension to the throne.
His message: “It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of Alhaja Alirat Àdùnní Matemilola, the mother of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola, just few hours after the celebration of the Omo Olowu Day.
“Her death at this period leaves a sour taste in our mouth, coming just hours after the celebration of the Omo Olowu Day, but we take solace in the fact that she lived well and left an indelible mark on the Owu Kingdom, Egbaland and the entirety of our state.
“I, therefore, extend my heartfelt condolences to our royal father, Oba (Prof) Saka Matemilola, the royal family, and the Owu Kingdom during this time of grief. I pray the Almighty God grants her soul eternal peace,” he noted.
Also speaking, one of the children of the deceased, Alhaji Abdul Hafeez Matemilola, said their late mother was a rallying point for conflict resolutions in her neighbourhood.
According to him, she was someone who cared so much about her children, her families, and was very merciful to her neighbours and tenants. She was a rallying point for conflict resolutions in her neighborhood. Her siblings held her in high reverence.
“Her children loved rallying around her as she exuded this aura of comfort and joy around her. She loved the deen so much and supported it in whatever capacity she could. Mama was fun to be with, ever accommodating, supportive of good ambitions, marital harmony and loved kids,” he added.
Alhaja Alirat Àdùnní Matemilola was born in 1943 in Abiola Village, to Chief Kasali Bolaji Abiola of Ago-Ika, Gbágùrá in Abeokuta and Mrs Raliat Bolaji of Labuta Compound, Oke Egunya, Owu Abeokuta.
According to the Orunto Owu Kingdom, Dr. Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, in a statement on Sunday, the late’s Alirat Ayinke’s father was a Baale of Abiola village, Gbalefa, in the current Ado Odo/Ota Local Government of Ogun State.
“Her father Chief Kasali Bolaji, who was the third Baale of Abiola village, which was founded by his father, Chief Abiola, shortly after the Ẹgba United Forces roundly defeated the Dahomey Forces in the mid 1800s.
“Throughout her life, Alhaja Matemilola was a shining example of kindness, compassion, and strength.
“As a successful trader, loving mother, and dutiful wife, she touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity.
“Her commitment to transparency and truthfulness inspired all who knew her.
“She is survived by several children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, brothers, in-laws and families.
“We extend our deepest condolences to HRM Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola and the entire Bolaji, and Matemilola families during this difficult time.
“May Allah grant Alhaja Matemilola’s soul eternal peace and admit her into Aljannah Firdaus, “Amin.
Sponsored
