Yesterday, the funeral rites for Mrs. Olufunke Ogeah took place in Lagos, featuring prayers and reflections in remembrance of her life. Mrs. Ogeah, who passed away on March 17, 2024, was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony following a funeral service at the Trinity House Church, Lagos. Eminent dignitaries from various spheres of life were present to pay their respects.
The Memorial Service, overseen by Trinity House Church’s lead Pastor, Mr. Ituah Ighodalo, was attended by family, friends, well-wishers, and government officials. It was a poignant occasion marked by heartfelt moments as attendees offered glowing tributes and words of encouragement to the late Olufunke’s family. She was remembered as a virtuous woman who led a life filled with love and fulfillment.
Survived by her husband, Mr. Chike Ogeah, her aged mother, Kanyi-sola Sophia Koya, her daughter, two sons, a grandson, brother, and three sisters, Mrs. Ogeah’s passing created a void in the lives of those closest to her. She hailed from the Ogeah Family of Ogbe-Ogo, Umuonaje Quarters of Asaba, Delta State, and the Koya Family of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
Olufunke, the beloved spouse of Ogeah, a former Commissioner of Information in Delta State, passed away at the age of 62.
In his tribute to the late Olufunke, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, depicted her as a virtuous woman with a special affinity for children, particularly young boys whom she nurtured from childhood to adulthood. Gbajabiamila, a longtime friend of the Ogeah family, further described Funke as a woman of substance—always cheerful, happy, and amiable. He emphasized her selflessness and remarkable nature, noting her tendency to extend assistance to those in need, even individuals distant from her, and expressed the desire for her to be remembered in this light.
He expressed, “But sincerely, Funke held a significant place in many of our lives; she was immensely cherished and held utmost importance. Here lies the body of a virtuous woman; herein lies the body of a woman of substance.
“When I arrived here and took my seat a few moments ago, I made a conscious decision not to wear a somber or mournful expression. Instead, I chose to wear a smile.
“The smile naturally emerged as I reminisced about my conversations and interactions with Funke throughout the years. When you share the kind of bond, memories, and experiences that I have with Funke, a smile becomes inevitable. I am confident that this is how Funke would wish to be remembered.
“My principal, as many of you are aware, is currently out of the country. Typically, when he is away, I am bound to stay in Abuja. However, today, I felt compelled to personally bid farewell to Funke. I traveled from Abuja this morning directly to this place, and upon leaving here, I will return straight to the airport for my journey back to Abuja.
“Few may be aware, but I have known Funke for over 35 years, perhaps even longer. Our connection dates back to our university days. This holds profound personal significance for me, as I have known Funke alongside Chike, whom I sat beside during the service.”
“And I found myself, at one point, doing something unusual for me. I’m typically quite emotional, but I found myself holding Chike’s hands. It’s rare to see a man holding another man’s hands, but in this moment, it felt instinctive. You see, when you hear about childhood sweethearts, many of us here are married, but most of us met our spouses and partners perhaps after university, after graduation.
“Very few of us have remained with the same partners over the years, from the time we were 18, 19, and 20. I believe those were the years when Chike and Funke met each other. Funke, as many may have attested to perhaps yesterday, during the Service of Songs and Evening of Music and Tributes, had a special affinity for children, particularly young boys whom she nurtured from childhood to adulthood.
“That was her calling. Perhaps in the same way, she nurtured her husband, Chike, from a boy to a man. She was a woman full of life—always joyful, always happy, always pleasant. But truly, for many of us, Funke held a special place in our hearts and meant everything to us. Here lies the body of a virtuous woman; herein lies the body of a woman of substance.
“I am certain that if we were to open this casket at this moment, Funke would be wearing a perpetual smile, either on her face or in her heart. That’s how I knew her, and that’s how I would like to remember her. She was an extraordinary human being. May God bless and keep her soul.”
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, bid farewell to the deceased, who was a native of the state, remarking that anyone who knew her would affirm that she was a vibrant woman. “She was highly enterprising and hardworking. Funke, by all accounts, was incredibly selfless.”
“She was both diligent and remarkably humble. Her inner and outer beauty were evident to all who knew her. She possessed a genuine love for children and was always attentive to their needs, demonstrating an understanding that surpassed that of many. This stands as a testament to her virtuous character. As a mother, she was devoted and affectionate to her children: Uche, Uzoma, and Chike (Jnr).
“As a loving and cherished wife and sister, she was not only a companion but also a friend and confidante. Above all, Funke was deeply devoted to her faith in God, as echoed in the numerous testimonies shared between yesterday and today. This serves as yet another reminder of the fragility of life and its fleeting nature.”
The governor, representing his family, the entire populace, and the government of Ogun State, extended heartfelt condolences to the Ogeah family. He prayed that the Almighty God would forgive all her transgressions and grant her eternal peace. Additionally, he prayed for Chike, her children, and other family members, asking for strength and solace during this sorrowful time.
Fondly known as Lady Olufunke, she held a special place in the hearts of many whose lives she touched. Her memory will endure in the hearts of those who knew her. Her son Uche fondly described her as a fighter. Speaking on behalf of the Class of ’77 of Regan Memorial Baptist Girls’ Secondary School, of which the late Mrs. Ogeah was a part, he delivered heartfelt eulogies that captured the essence of her life.
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