Tension In Osun Over Business Titan, Tunde Ponnle’s Burial Rites

Tension is mounting in Ada, Osun State, over the planned burial of Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, following an open letter by an indigene challenging aspects of the funeral arrangements on grounds of alleged breaches of Yoruba royal tradition.

The letter, written by Jacob Ogunleye Oladapo of Ile Aoogun, Ada, has been circulating within the community and has sparked debate in town squares, markets and private gatherings.

In it, Ogunleye raised objections to key components of the programme released by the late Prince’s children and the Oludele Ruling House.

Prince Ponnle, who died in the early hours of Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the ripe age of 86 years, was widely regarded as one of Ada’s most accomplished sons.

A renowned engineer, Ponnle was the Chairman of the popular Miccom Wires and Cable Company and proprietor of Miccom Golf and Resort in Ada, Osun State.

In his letter, metaphorically addressed to the late Prince “as he lies in the mortuary awaiting burial,” Ogunleye paid tribute to him as a devoted entrepreneur, community figure and Christian who spent about seven decades in service and passed on “peacefully, honourably and with dignity.”

However, he expressed concern over two major elements of the funeral plans.

The first relates to the proposal to lay the late Prince prince in state at the Osogbo residence of his wife, Princess Titilayo Ponnle.

Ogunleye argued that, under Yoruba custom, particularly for a man born into royalty, lying in state in his wife’s personal residence amounts to a cultural violation.

While acknowledging that the Prince stayed in the house during visits to Osogbo, Ogunleye maintained that the property was built and owned by Princess Ponnle before their marriage and is neither the Prince’s ancestral home nor a property that forms part of his royal heritage.

He, nevertheless, commended Princess Titilayo Ponnle for what he described as her exemplary devotion and care for her husband throughout their marriage, urging the children and members of the Oludele Ruling House not to allow emotions to override established customs or inadvertently draw her into what he termed a cultural aberration.

The second issue concerns the choice of venue for the funeral service.

According to the programme released by the family, the service is to be held at the grounds of Commercial Grammar School, Ada, to accommodate the large number of dignitaries expected.

Ogunleye questioned the decision, noting that the late Prince and his late wife, Princess Olufunke Ponnle, built and donated the First Baptist Church, Ada, to the Baptist Community.

He argued that the church has longstanding historical ties to the Ponnle family and the Oludele Ruling House and has hosted the funerals of prominent members of the royal lineage.

Holding the service at a secular venue rather than at First Baptist Church, he contended, undermines the family’s legacy and the symbolic value attached to the church.

Beyond the specific objections, the letter reflects a broader concern about what Ogunleye described as a growing detachment from cultural heritage among some members of the royal family, particularly those who have lived abroad.

He called on family elders, traditional authorities in Ada and the Olona-in-Council to ensure that the burial arrangements do not contravene Yoruba customs and royal traditions.

As preparations for the funeral continue, residents of Ada are closely watching to see whether the concerns raised will prompt a review of the arrangements or whether the family will proceed with the plans as announced.