The final burial ceremony of Madam Caroline Ileola Akinbinu, the in-law of Professor Femi Olufunmilade was held on Saturday, May 22, 2026, at the historic Archbishop Olufosoye Anglican Church, drawing dignitaries, family members, friends and associates from across Nigeria to Ondo Town, Ondo State.
The solemn church service, which witnessed a large turnout of sympathisers from far and near, featured a soul-searching sermon delivered by Rev’d (Pharm) Adeyemi Adegoke, who charged Christians to reflect deeply on eternity and the life they live on earth.
Preaching from the Book of John Chapter 16 Verse 5, the cleric reminded worshippers that life on earth is temporary and that every human being would one day give account of their deeds before God.
According to him, Jesus Christ made His disciples understand that He was returning to His Father’s house, a reminder that mankind is ultimately destined for eternity.
“Eternity is real and it cannot be compared with the temporary life we are living here on earth. This world will pass away, but eternity has no end. Every one of us will spend eternity somewhere,” he said.
Rev. Adegoke further cited Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 Verse 2, stressing that there is a time to be born and a time to die, adding that the most important question every Christian must answer is where they will spend eternity.
He urged Christians to genuinely surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and allow the teachings of Christ to shape their attitudes, behaviours and daily conduct.
“It is not enough to claim to be Christians. What matters is whether Christ truly lives in us and whether our actions reflect His teachings. If Christ is truly in our lives, our character and behaviour must reveal it,” he admonished.
The cleric lamented the moral decline in society, noting that Christians must uphold godly values and pass enduring legacies to their children and future generations.
Quoting the popular saying that “a beautiful soul lost is a gain to heaven,” Rev. Adegoke described the late Madam Akinbinu as a woman whose life and virtues had left lasting memories in the hearts of her children and loved ones.
The children of the deceased – Pastor Seyi Akinbinu, Mrs Dolapo Olufunmilade, Miss Bukola Akinbinu, Kayode Akinbinu and Segun Akinbinu were commended by guests and sympathisers for giving their mother a befitting and well-organised burial ceremony worthy of her impactful life and legacy.
From the well-attended church service to the colourful reception and smooth coordination of activities, the children were praised for demonstrating unity, honour and deep affection for their late mother, whom many described as a caring and virtuous matriarch.
Rev. Adegoke also encouraged parents to build strong moral and spiritual foundations for their families so that the legacy of Christianity and righteous living would continue from one generation to another.
“As Christians, we must ask ourselves daily whether we are truly prepared for eternity and where we shall spend it,” he added.
The church service was immediately followed by the interment of the deceased at her private residence in Ondo Town amid emotional scenes from family members and sympathisers.
Guests were later entertained at the popular Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre, where dignitaries from different parts of the country were treated to sumptuous meals and drinks in honour of the late matriarch.
The event also served as a reunion of families, associates and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the impactful life and enduring legacy of Madam Caroline Ileola Akinbinu.
