Final Burial Ceremony of Alhaja Asanat Kehinde Esther Titilayo Sodiya (Iyaolopa) Held in Grand Style at Akarigbo Palace
Final Burial Ceremony of Alhaja Asanat Kehinde Esther Titilayo Sodiya (Iyaolopa) Held in Grand Style at Akarigbo Palace
The serene atmosphere at the Royal Events Hall within Akarigbo Palace was filled with grief and celebration as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to pay their final respects to the illustrious Alhaja Asanat Kehinde Esther Titilayo Sodiya, popularly known as Iyaolopa. The heartfelt burial ceremony marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to love, community, and cultural heritage.
The event, organized with reverence and elegance, drew a large crowd comprising family members, social clubs, traditional rulers, and notable personalities from Nollywood and beyond. Led by her daughter, Dr. Mrs. Kemi Ogunwusi, the family expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for the years spent with the matriarch. Dr. Kemi, alongside her sisters Princess Mariam and other family members, took turns to recount cherished memories, emphasizing the profound impact Iyaolopa had on their lives.
“Losing our mother leaves a huge void in our hearts,” Princess Mariam shared tearfully. “She was our pillar of strength, wisdom, and love. Her legacy will forever inspire us.”
The grandchildren also spoke emotionally, recounting their fondest moments with their beloved grandmother and promising to uphold her values of kindness and community service. Their heartfelt tributes resonated with attendees, emphasizing the enduring influence of Iyaolopa’s life.
The ceremony had prominent traditional leaders, including the Akarigbo of Remoland and the Oonirisa of Ife, who sent representatives to honor the departed. Their presence underscored the deep respect Iyaolopa commanded within the cultural landscape of Nigeria.
Celebrity attendance was notable, with Nollywood stars such as Alhaji Ade Adenrele, Alhaji Rammy Shitta Bay, and Alhaji Princess Nike Peller among the guests. Their participation reflected the broad admiration and recognition Iyaolopa enjoyed across different spheres of Nigerian society.
Clubs and associations also played vital roles in the event. Notably, Egbe Bobaselu Obirin Remo, of which Dr. Kemi is the Iyalode, actively participated in the proceedings, celebrating the life of a woman whose influence extended beyond her family to the wider community.
The ceremony culminated in a dignified farewell, with prayers and traditional rites performed to honor her soul. As the community bid goodbye to a noble woman whose life was a testament to service, love, and resilience, many left with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, inspired by her enduring legacy.
Alhaja Asanat Kehinde Esther Titilayo Sodiya’s life story remains a shining example of dedication to family and community, and her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.
