By Opeyemi Olawore
It was a day of tributes, a solemn assembly and the celebration of the life and times of Late Mrs. Dorcas Yemisi Okunlola, the wife of the former Deputy Rector for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola, as friends, colleagues and families gathered to bid her farewell at Glory Baptist Church, Wakajaye, Ibadan on Friday, January 15, 2020.
While delivering his sermon, titled, “losing the pains of death,” the Minister- in- Charge of Glory Baptist Church, Wakajaye, Ibadan, Rev. Yomi Odunayo posited that “Jesus offered himself to die for humanity in order to lose the irreparable pains of death. There is no pain for anyone who died in Christ; death is just a transition to glory,” he said.
Rev. Odunayo called on the people to store up their treasures in heaven by investing in the things of God because every mortal has expiry date.
Rev. Odunayo also raised many questions that should be answered by individuals; is your birth a blessing or curse? Are you doing your best where you are or are you a tragedy to humanity?
He charged the people to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour in order to be free from the agony of death.
Rev. Odunayo prayed God to comfort the husband, Children and the family that the deceased left behind.
In his tribute, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola described his wife as God sent, who stood by him through thick and thin and endured sufferings that came their way. To him, she left when he thought it was time for them to enjoy their marriage, since he just retired.
The eldest son, Oluwajuwon Okunlola described her late mum as loving, caring, kind and open-minded mother who was given to prayer.
Others described her as courageous, accommodating, lover of God and a seasoned teacher.
The acting rector for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora Mr, Olaniyi Adekunle and the former rector of the institution, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale described her sudden death as shocking and colossal loss. They prayed God to comfort the family and grant the deceased eternal rest.
Until her death, Mrs. Dorcas Yemisi Okunlola was born into the family of Okozi in Ogbona, Edo State and Mrs. Ayoka Okegbewo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, 56 years ago.
She attended Christ Anglican Primary School Abeokuta, Nawar-Ur-Deen Secondary School, Obantoko, Abeokuta, Teachers ’ College, Oni Water Side, University of Ibadan and Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun.
She started her teaching career from Primary School, Ita-Ogun, Ogun Water Side on May 1, 1986. She transferred her service to Oyo State in 1989. She rose to the position of Head Teacher of Community Primary School, Oki Pataki, Egbeda Local Government in November 1, 2019. The position she held until she bids the world farewell on January 3, 2021.
She is survived by an aged mother, uncles, siblings, husband, children and grandchildren.
The burial service was well attended by the management of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, past principal officers of the institution; Mr. Niyi Fehintola, Dr. Olatunji Olaojo, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Staff, well-wishers, ministers of God, family members, Egbeda conference of Head Teachers, Staff and Students of Community Primary School, Oki Pataki, Ibadan among others.
