Deaconess Christianah Anifowose Laid to Rest in Dignified Ceremony
By: Ogunleye Oluwapelumi
The final burial ceremony of late Deaconess Mrs. Christianah Olubambi Anifowose (née Alesinloye) commenced on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to honor her life and legacy.
The solemn yet celebratory events began with the family retrieving her remains from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), after which a convoy led her to her paternal and maternal home in Ikorodu. Aged family members welcomed her home with prayers and heartfelt tributes, celebrating a life dedicated to faith, family, and service.
A wake-keep service followed at the Christ Apostolic Church, where hymns were sung, prayers were offered, and emotional testimonies were shared about her kindness, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to God. Church members and loved ones recounted her generous spirit and deep commitment to the faith, painting a picture of a woman whose impact will be felt for generations.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, the final farewell took place with a church service attended by a large gathering of mourners.
During the final burial service of Deaconess Christianah Olubambi Anifowose, the officiating preacher delivered a powerful message, urging mourners to reflect on the brevity of life and the importance of living with purpose. He emphasized that Mama Anifowose had lived a life worthy of emulation, filled with faith, kindness, and selfless service to others.
“Life is but a fleeting moment, and what truly matters is the impact we leave behind,” he said. “Mama has run her race and finished well, leaving behind a legacy that speaks volumes. Let us all strive to live in a way that, when our time comes, we will be remembered not just for our words, but for our deeds, our love, and our unwavering devotion to God.”
He further encouraged everyone to take a lesson from her life, reminding them that true wealth is not in material possessions but in the lives touched and the good works done. “As we bid her farewell, let us not mourn like those without hope. Instead, let us be inspired to live righteously, serve humanity, and walk faithfully with God, just as she did. That is the greatest tribute we can give to her memory.”
Following the service, family members accompanied her to her final resting place, where she was laid to rest amid prayers and farewells. The burial was immediately followed by a thanksgiving session at the church, where her children—Pastor and Deaconess Olanrewaju Anifowose, Mr. and Mrs. Olurotimi Anifowose—along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, led the congregation in songs and dances of gratitude for a life well lived.
To round off the ceremonies, an elaborate reception was held in Ikorodu, attended by dignitaries and esteemed personalities who came to honor her memory.
