Oshoffa, Muslim Clerics Offer Prayer For Olori Ladoja As Ex-Oyo Gov’s Wife Begins Journey Home, Dec. 14 

IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – Muslim clerics, family and friends will gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, December 16, 2024, to pay their final respects to Olori Tinuade Mathilda Ladoja (née Ayamolowo), the late wife of former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. The matriarch passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 71.

The weeklong funeral programme begins with a prayer session at her husband’s Otun Olubadan residence in Bodija, Ibadan, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday.

According to the funeral schedule released by family representatives Titilola Idakula and Bolatito Egwumba, the prayer marks the start of events to honour the beloved matriarch.

At 11 a.m. the same day, Rev. Mobiyina Friday Oshoffa, Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Worldwide, will officiate a service of songs at CCC Rehoboth International Family Cathedral, Oke Ado, Ibadan, alongside other church leaders.

The Salem Evangelical Christ’s Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ilupeju-Obanikoro, Lagos, will on Tuesday, December 15, 2024 host a service of songs at noon for the deceased while another service will hold at the CCC Agidingbi Parish, Lagos, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2024.

A Christian wake and night of tributes will take place at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, December 17, 2024, at 5 p.m while on Friday, December 18, 2024, burial ceremonies will begin with a lying-in-state between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. This will be followed by a funeral service at the Bemil Chapel of Epiphany, Bemil Road, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos.

The burial rites will conclude on Sunday, December 19, 2024, with a thanksgiving service at her main church, CCC Unity, Ikeja, Lagos.

Olori Ladoja was a revered member of the Celestial Church of Christ and the only woman to serve on its Council of Pastors, one of the church’s highest decision-making bodies.

She also held the position of Woman President of the Aladura Movement, a coalition of charismatic white garment churches.

Known as Prophetess Mother Celestial, Olori Ladoja pursued her evangelical calling with vigor, earning a Theology degree at the age of 60.

Her contributions to the growth of the church and her philanthropic efforts made her an icon of faith and service.

A professionally trained secretary and widely traveled entrepreneur, Olori Ladoja worked in various capacities, including at the Southern Atlantic Oil Services and the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

It was during her diplomatic career that she met her husband, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Olori Ladoja is survived by husband and three daughters, two from a previous marriage, leaving behind a legacy of faith, dedication, and service.