By Wasiu Owolewa
A renowned philanthropist and successful businessman, Bashorun Tope Alabi, has given his late mother, Mrs. Cecilia Ajayi Alabi, a befitting burial in Ado-Ekiti.
The burial activities began on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with a Christian Wake held at Msgr. Edward Tunji Ogidan Hall, Christ the King Catholic Church, Ado-Ekiti. The final Funeral Mass followed on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the same venue.
The church service was well attended by prominent personalities, including the First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; the Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju Egbeyemi; and the former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, represented by his former Chief of Staff, Mr. Tolu Ibitola. Others in attendance included council chairmen, political appointees, members of the Ewi-in-Council, and other distinguished guests.
In his sermon, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, praised the late Mrs. Alabi for her godly and exemplary lifestyle. He commended her children for taking proper care of their mother while she was alive, noting that honoring parents during their lifetime is more meaningful than spending lavishly after their demise.
The Bishop also shared his personal relationship with the deceased, describing her as a devoted mother figure and expressing gratitude for the support he received from the Alabi family over the years.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Bashorun Tope Alabi expressed deep appreciation to all dignitaries, friends, and associates who supported the family during their moment of grief. He also announced a ₦50 million donation to be shared among the church, choir, church workers, and the Bishop.
The event concluded with a colorful reception at AB Hall, along Adebayo Road, Ado-Ekiti, where guests were entertained in a lively atmosphere befitting the celebration of a life well lived.