Funeral Rites Begin As Oldest Wife Of Ajanaku Makun To Be Buried This Weekend

Starting from Sunday, April 12, thousands of Nigerians and foreigners will arrive in Owo, Ondo State, to bid a final farewell to Chief Mrs Deborah Adeyoriola Ujayoriade Ajanaku Makun, aged 104, the Iya Isale of Methodist Church Nigeria, Owo Diocese, Oke-Owo Circuit, Fajuyi Road, Owo.

Mama Ujayoriade was one of the 27 wives of the late business mogul, Chief Jimoh Ajanaku Makun of the Ajanaku Makun Group of Companies, who was also the Seriki Musilimu of Owoland.

Mama Ujayoriade Ajanaku Makun was a distinguished trader, a pathfinder, philanthropist, community leader, and a true developer of human potential and societal progress.

She was the beloved mother of Erelu Remilekun Mulikat Ibidapo, a U.S.-certified nurse and the founder and owner of Deborah Multi-Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in Owode Oba-Ile, Akure, Ondo State. The hospital was built and commissioned on April 1, 2023, to immortalize Mama Deborah Ujayoriade Ajanaku Makun. It was officially declared open by Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, who, at the time as Deputy Governor, represented Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

Mama Ujayoriade Ajanaku passed away on December 17, 2025.

Mama is survived by four children. The firstborn is Erelu Remilekun Mulikat Ibidapo, wife of the offshore oil magnate, hotelier, multiple-chief title holder, and philanthropist socialite, Prince Rotimi Benjamin Ibidapo, OON. She is followed by U.S.-based Nigerian automobile dealer Mr. Makanjuola Sikiru Makun; Owo-based businesswoman Mrs. Yemisi Olawumi Modupe; and the last born, U.S.-based Nigerian businessman Mr. Olarotimi Ajanaku Makun, who is the first son. Mama also left behind a sister, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, over 89 stepchildren, mentees, and a great number of admirers.

In the week-long, fully packed funeral rites beginning today, dignitaries expected to grace the occasions include Governors, distinguished Senators, honourable members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly members, politicians, diplomats, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and notable figures from across Nigeria, West Africa, and the diaspora.

The lineup of activities is as stated below:

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Saturday, April 11:
– Healthcare Services @ Mama’s Residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
– Time: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, April 12, 2026:
– WELCOME PARTY @ Swimming Poolside, Mydas Hotel & Resorts, Km 1 Owo-Ikare Road, Owo, Ondo State
– Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
– Dress Code: Casual

Monday, April 13, 2026:
– Healthcare Services @ Mama’s Residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
– Time:6:00 am – 6:00 pm
– OWO CULTURAL DAY@ Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
– Time:10:00 am – 8:00 pm
– Dress Code: Chocolate/Cream & Brown

Tuesday, April 14, 2026:
– AJABGUE TRADITIONAL DANCE ROUND THE TOWN taking off from Mama Deborah Ujayoriade Ajanaku Makun’s residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
– Time:9:00 am – 5:00 pm
– Dress Code: Customized dress
– Evening GET-TOGETHER
– Time:7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
– SERVICE OF SONGS @ Ayibowu Hall, Mydas Hotel & Resorts, Km 1 Owo-Ikare Road, Owo, Ondo State
– Time:4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
– Dress Code: Lilac
– MELODY NIGHT starring Faith Band
– Time:7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Thursday, April 16, 2026:
– Motorcade Procession with Mama’s remains from St. Louis Catholic Hospital, Oke-Ogun Street, Owo, Ondo State at 9:00 am
– LYING-IN-STATE @ her residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, for one hour, followed by relocation to Chief Jimoh Ajanaku Makun’s residence, 11 Isolo Street, Ijebu-Owo, Ondo State
– CHRISTIAN WAKE/COMMENDATION SERVICE@ Ajanaku Makun House, 11 Isolo Street, Ijebu-Owo
– Time:4:30 pm
– Dress Code: White & Burgundy
– Evening COMMENDATION PROGRAM continues with Nigerian gospel celebrity Laolu Gbenjo @ Ajanaku Makun House, 11 Isolo Street, Ijebu-Owo

Friday, April 17, 2026:
– CHURCH FUNERAL SERVICE/THANKSGIVING @ The Methodist Church Nigeria, Owo Diocese, Oke-Owo Circuit, Fajuyi Street, Owo
– Time:10:00 am prompt
– INTERMENT @ her residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
– Time:1:00 pm
– RECEPTION with King Sunny Ade & His New African Beats @ Boje Signature, Mydas Hotel & Resorts, Km 1 Owo-Ikare Road, Owo, Ondo State
– Party After Party: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
– Dress Code: Ankara Aso-ebi