The ancient city of Ile-Ife stood still in remembrance on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered to bid a final farewell to Mrs. Cecilia Aduke Adesakin, who died at the age of 90.
The funeral rites, which brought together loved ones and members of the community, offered a fitting tribute to a woman whose nine decades of life left behind a family legacy that continues through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The farewell began on Friday, August 28, with a Service of Songs at Temidire, Eleweeran Quarters, Ile-Ife. The gathering set the tone for the final rites as members of the family, friends and well-wishers came together in songs, prayers, tributes and remembrance.
It was an evening of reflection and thanksgiving for a life that spanned 90 years, with those who knew Mrs. Adesakin recalling cherished moments and the enduring relationships she built throughout her lifetime.
The final funeral service was held on Saturday, August 29, at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Iremo, Ile-Ife.
The church service brought together members of the family, friends and sympathisers for prayers, hymns and tributes as they celebrated Mrs. Adesakin’s life and prepared to commit her remains to the earth.
Beyond the solemnity of the occasion, the service provided an opportunity to reflect on the values, relationships and family bonds that defined her journey. Her children and other members of the family were joined by friends and well-wishers in paying their final respects.
One of her sons, Engr. Akin Adesakin, who spoke with Ifecityblog, described his late mother as a very loving, caring and kind-hearted woman who would go to great lengths to provide for her children and ensure their wellbeing.
He said her love and care extended beyond her immediate family, noting that she was a warm and compassionate person to everyone around her and would be greatly missed by all who knew her.
“My mother was a very loving, caring and kind-hearted woman. She would go to any length to make sure her children were comfortable and well taken care of. Her love was not limited to her children alone; she extended that same kindness and care to everyone around her. We have lost someone very special, and she will be greatly missed.”
Following the funeral service, her remains were taken for interment, where she was laid to rest in Ile-Ife.
The solemnity of the burial later gave way to a reception at Ojaja Arena, Ife Grand Resort, where relatives, friends and guests gathered once again—not simply to mourn her passing, but to celebrate the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
The reception featured moments of remembrance, tributes and togetherness, as those gathered reflected on the memories Mrs. Adesakin created across her 90 years and celebrated the generations that continue her story.
Mrs. Cecilia Aduke Adesakin is survived by her eight children: Madam Victoria Towobola, Superintendent Leke Adesakin, Engr. Akin Adesakin, Mrs. Bukola Awelewa, Mrs. Bolaji Owoeye, Mrs. Folake Salako, Pastor Gboye Adesakin and Teju Adesakin. She is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her final funeral rites therefore marked more than the closing chapter of a life well lived. They brought together generations of a family, alongside friends and associates, to honour a woman whose 90-year journey has become part of the family history she leaves behind.
From the Service of Songs to the funeral service, interment and reception, the ceremonies offered different moments through which her family and community remembered, mourned and celebrated Mrs. Cecilia Aduke Adesakin.
As she was laid to rest, the tributes, memories and family bonds that characterised her final farewell stood as a testament to a life whose influence will continue through the generations she leaves behind.
