Orin-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State stood still as family members, dignitaries and well-wishers gathered to bid final farewell to Olori Rachel Adelubi Ilori, mother of a former Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, who was laid to rest at the age of 87.
The burial ceremony, which attracted former governors, ministers, captains of industry, company executives and church leaders, marked the end of an illustrious life devoted to faith, service and community development.
Olori Rachel Ilori was the wife of the late Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori, Olorin of Orin-Ekiti, who passed away over 45 years ago.
Remarkably, both husband and wife were ministers of the Gospel before Oba Ilori eventually ascended the throne of his forebears.
Born in 1938 into the family of Late Chief and Mrs Thomas Faturoti, Olori Ilori completed her primary education before proceeding to Ibadan, where she trained as a sewing mistress.
She was married to a Methodist Church minister, and the couple served in various stations including Ago-Iwoye, Ilaro, Ikorodu and Oye-Ekiti.
During these postings, Olori Ilori was deeply involved in church activities, particularly the Women Fellowship, where she served as president in all the local churches they were assigned to.
Following her husband’s selection and installation as the Olorin of Orin-Ekiti, Olori Ilori returned home with him to Orin-Ekiti, where she continued her life of service to both church and community.
Her final journey commenced with a Christian wake-keep held at her residence, Ule Adebanji, Ifaki Road, Orin-Ekiti, coordinated by leaders of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.
Speaking at the wake, the Bishop of Kwara Diocese, Rt. Revd. Joseph Osifuwa, described the late octogenarian as a benchmark for dedication and commitment to God’s vineyard.
Among dignitaries present were former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni; Chairman of Green Energy International Limited, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe; Dr. Goke Adegoroye; the Olu of Oke-Lisa Tuntun in Akure, Kabiyesi Kunle Ajanaku, and several other prominent personalities from across the country.
On Saturday, a funeral service was held at the Orin-Ekiti Circuit of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, drawing an array of prominent Nigerians from different sectors of the economy.
The officiating minister, Right Reverend Rufus Babalola, described Olori Rachel Ilori as a woman of contentment, perseverance and humility, noting that she raised her children in the fear of God while also ensuring they received quality education.
He charged women to emulate her virtues and live upright lives worthy of the Kingdom of God.
Thereafter, the remains of the late Olori, fondly called Iya-Yard, were interred at her residence, Ule Adebanji, Ifaki Road, Orin-Ekiti.
Speaking on behalf of the family, her first child, Prince Segun Ilori, former Chief of Staff to Governor Segun Oni and Director of Legal and Corporate Services, Green Energy International Limited, said his mother was instrumental in shaping the lives of her children, especially after the death of their father over four decades ago.
According to him, Olori Ilori not only raised them in the ways of the Lord but also provided firm guidance that prepared them for life.
In similar tributes, her daughter-in-law, Mrs Blessing Ebun Ilori, daughters Princess Fadekemi Adegoke, Princess Kayode Ilori, other children and grandchildren described her as a lover of children, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for their successes.
Other dignitaries, including former Governor Segun Oni, a former Minister of State for Works and the Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, extolled Olori Ilori as a community leader and exemplary mother whose life was worthy of emulation.
Also present were members of the Green Energy International Limited family, as well as staff and management of First Otakikpo Midstream Limited and Atlantic Terminal Infrastructure Limited, who came from Abuja and Port Harcourt to grace the occasion.
After the death of her husband, Olori Ilori relocated to Akure, the Ondo State capital, where she established a fashion design and trading business.
She also remained active in the Women Fellowship of the Methodist Cathedral, Gbogi, Akure.
A recipient of the Susan Wesley Award, she was installed as Asiwaju Obinrin Ijo and held several leadership positions within the church and community.
She also served as Chairperson and Motivator of the Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori Foundation, established in honour of her late husband to support charitable causes in education, health and Christian evangelism.
Olori Rachel Adelubi Ilori passed on November 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, sacrifice and enduring impact.
