The remains of Pa Josiah Oladepo Adeyemo, a revered patriarch, community leader and disciplinarian, were laid to rest amid prayers, tributes and thanksgiving as family members, political figures, top military officers, clergy, cultural groups and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to celebrate a life defined by faith, service and integrity.
The funeral ceremonies began with a wake keep on February 5 at the MOSAB Mega Hall, West Bypass, Osogbo, followed by the funeral service on February 6 by St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ipetumodu, Osun State. Interment took place thereafter at his residence, No. 24, Salako Street, behind Osogbo Stadium.
Born on February 17, 1936, at Agbosoye Compound, Isale Apata, Ipetumodu, Pa Adeyemo was the first child of Late Chief Amos Ogunwale Adeyemo and Madam Alice Olajumoke Jemirade Adeyemo (née Ayorinde). He was raised in a disciplined and communal environment that shaped his lifelong commitment to hard work, truth and service.
The funeral service was officiated by senior clergy of the Anglican Diocese of Oke Osun, with the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Oluwagbemiro Ayodele Fabuluje, serving as the head officiating minister. Other ministers included The Ven. James Ola Ogunleye, Ven. Engr. Olalekan Salami, and The Ven. Michael Atanda, among others. Biblical readings from Psalm 112 and John 14:1–2 underscored the Christian assurance of eternal rest.
In his sermon, Bishop Fabuluje described the late Pa Adeyemo as “a man of quiet strength, unwavering faith and uncommon discipline,” urging the congregation to emulate his humility, integrity and devotion to family and community.
Pa Adeyemo began his education at Christ Church School, Ipetumodu, completing Standard Six with distinction before proceeding to Oduduwa College, Ile Ife, where he graduated in 1958. He later joined the Western Region Civil Service, serving at the Government Secretariat and at health institutions including the Rural Health Centre, Aramoko Ekiti, and the General Hospital, Ile Ife, where he worked as an Administrative Officer.
After retirement, he devoted himself to trading, farming and community service across Osogbo, Ipetumodu and the Origbo axis of Osun State. He served as the pioneer and longest serving Chairman of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of Saint James Grammar School, Ayetoro, Osogbo, and later as Chairman of the PTA of Saint James Primary School, Owo Ope, earning admiration for his integrity, humility and selfless service.
A major highlight of the funeral was the presence of Major General Olusegun Adegbenro Adeyemo of the Nigerian Army, first son of the late Pa Josiah Oladepo Adeyemo. He was accompanied by hundreds of uniformed soldiers and armoured military vehicles, which formed a dignified and orderly procession. The strong military presence added colour, grandeur and national significance to the burial rites, reflecting both the stature of the family and the wide respect accorded the late patriarch.
The ceremonies attracted an array of eminent Nigerians and senior public office holders, including a former Chief of Army Staff, former Chief of Defence Staff, former Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, former Minister of Commerce, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, and the current Chief of Defence Staff, represented by T. A. Dadariga.
The cultural heritage of the farewell was highlighted by Ambassador Rotimi Ogunsanmi Elijah, who led the Biripo Cultural Group and Adeola Dance Troupe from Idepe in Ikale land to perform the traditional final rite known as “Ogwegwe” at the residence of the departed, adding depth, colour and ancestral reverence to the ceremonies.
Tributes from children, relatives and associates portrayed Pa Adeyemo as a bridge builder, a forthright man of truth, a disciplinarian tempered with wisdom, and a loving family head fondly called “Baba Oke Awo.” As a grandfather, he was said to have found joy in the growth and character of his grandchildren, embracing a peaceful and reflective later life.
Pa Josiah Oladepo Adeyemo is survived by his wife, Mrs Princess Funke Rosemary Adeyemo, children, grandchildren, siblings and a wide network of relatives and admirers.
As his remains were committed to the earth, emotions ran high, but there was collective thanksgiving for a fulfilled life; one marked by faith, service, discipline, humour and enduring impact.
Adieu, the Patriarch of Ile Agbosoye, Ipetumodu.
