Erstwhile Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and former Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, led a delegation on condolence visit to the Onabanjo family on the recent death of Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, former First Lady of Ogun.
The delegation comprised political stakeholders and associates, including a former Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Alhaji Tajudeen Onabanjo; a former Secretary of the same local government, Hon. Adewale Balogun; as well as party elders, leaders, youths and women.
The delegation was warmly received by the daughter of the deceased, Barrister Olivia Bukola Onabanjo, Chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission.
The condolence visit coincided with the presence of the Vice Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Titilayo Adeyemi, who had also come to commiserate with the family.
Hon. Titilayo Adeyemi offered prayers for Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, invoking divine blessings, guidance, and intervention upon his future political endeavours. He also prayed fervently for the repose of the soul of Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo and for strength, comfort, and unity for the entire Onabanjo family.
After signing the condolence register, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR expressed his heartfelt sympathies, describing the late Chief Mrs. Onabanjo as one of the foremost First Ladies Ogun State has ever produced.
He noted that her rare distinction lay not merely in her status, but in her lifelong decision to live among the people, sharing their hopes, struggles, and aspirations even long after her husband’s exit from office. According to him, death may take the body, but it cannot erase the memory of kindness, humility, and service.
Ambassador Isola charged women across Ogun State and Nigeria at large to emulate the virtues embodied by Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, stressing that true influence is rooted in character, compassion, and consistency rather than position or privilege.
In further reflection, he eulogized the towering legacy of her husband, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, recalling his political journey from Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government to a legislator representing Ijebu Ode Constituency in the old Western Region, and eventually Governor of Ogun State.
Ambassador Isola highlighted how Chief Onabanjo’s governance philosophy was deeply inspired by the progressive ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, particularly in the areas of free education, accessible healthcare, and integrated rural development, policies that continue to shape societal consciousness decades later.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR offered solemn prayers for the souls of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, and his beloved wife, Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo. He also prayed earnestly for Barrister Bukola Onabanjo and the entire Onabanjo family, asking God to grant them strength, wisdom, and enduring peace.
Responding on behalf of the family, Barrister Olivia Bukola Onabanjo expressed profound appreciation to Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR and his high-profile delegation for their visit, describing it as a source of comfort and encouragement during a moment of profound loss.
She thanked them for commiserating and, in spirit, rejoicing with the family over a life that left indelible footprints on the sands of Ogun State’s history.
She concluded with prayers that the Lord, in His infinite mercy, would grant every request and heart’s desire of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, rewarding his compassion, leadership, and continued service to humanity.
