By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ondo State counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and other top dignitaries on Friday paid their last respects to the late former Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku.
Others at the funeral service held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, included the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde, alongside political leaders, clerics and family members.
The gathering was held in honour of the deceased, described by speakers as a committed public servant and devout Christian who made significant contributions to women’s empowerment and social development during her lifetime.
In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the deceased’s life, saying funerals should serve as moments of introspection rather than mourning alone.
He extended condolences to the Odunmbaku family, particularly her husband, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, urging them to take comfort in the widespread support from sympathisers.
Sanwo-Olu said the late Odunmbaku lived a fulfilled life of service and left behind a legacy worthy of emulation, adding that her impact on many lives would be remembered.
“Funerals should prompt self-examination. What impact have we made with our positions and blessings?” the governor said, noting that the greatest tribute to the deceased would be to uphold her values of service, compassion and generosity.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also paid tribute to the late commissioner, describing her as a dedicated public servant and woman of faith who contributed meaningfully to governance and women’s development in Ondo State.
He noted that she championed initiatives that promoted women’s economic empowerment and political participation, leaving behind a lasting legacy of purposeful service.
Aiyedatiwa commiserated with the bereaved family and prayed for God’s strength for them, describing death as an inevitable part of life while encouraging the family to take comfort in their faith.
The ceremony ended with prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for the Odunmbaku family.
