Former Ondo Chief of Staff’s Mother Goes Home

The funeral rites programmes for the mother of Chief Olugbenga Ale, the immediate past Ondo State Government Chief of Staff, Mrs. Janet Ojoye Ale, née Otonro, aged 103, begins today, Tuesday, January 20th, 2026.

According to a press statement signed on behalf of the family by Architect ‘Toso Ale, Mama, a petty trader and community leader, will be deeply missed for her impactful mentorship of children and mothers, which is still visible through her children and wards.

The Ajagbue dance will kick off today at 10 am, circling the ancient town of Owo, starting from 4, Ijasan Street, off Oke-Ogun Street, Owo, Ondo State. On Thursday, January 22nd, at 9 am, her remains will be taken in a motorcade around town from the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo, to the family compound at 4 Ijasan Street off Oke-Ogun Street, Owo.

Later that day, at 4:30 pm, a Christian wake will be held in her honour at 4 Ijasan Street, off Oke-Ogun Street, Owo.

The grand finale of the funeral rites will take place on Friday, January 23rd, at 10 am, with a burial service at The Lord’s New Church Cathedral, Fajuyi Street, Owo, Ondo State. The interment will follow immediately at the family compound.

A reception is expected to host dignitaries, including the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, with members of the executive council, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III, and other royal fathers, as well as esteemed guests, led by Aare Akile of the source Ile-Ife, Prince Rotimi Benjamin Ibidapo, OON.

The reception will take place at the famous Ionian Field, Imade College, Owo, Ondo State. Mama Janet Ojoye Ale, a renowned Owo traditional clothes weaver, is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, cousins, nephews, and family members.

Among her children are Mrs. Aarinola Sawa, Mrs. Dorcas Adejoro, Chief Olugbenga Ale, Mrs. Rachael Oluwasola Aladetuyi, Elder Sesan Ale, and the notable labor leader and activist, Pastor Olaniyi Ale, who is the President of the Ondo State Artisans Association.

Chief Olugbenga Ale, the chief mourner, said, “My mom was a mother in a million, to be missed. Giving her the last respect through these traditional cultural processes is formal, but in my inner mind, it’s painful to say goodbye. She lived a life of abundance and was a great mother of all seasons. I bless God for His abundant grace on the Ale family.