Ipokia turned 'Mecca' as Oba Adeole goes home

By Adedoyin Adeole

The ancient Ipokia town was overcrowded as dignitaries within and outside Nigeria trooped out en masse to pay their respect to the late Onipokia of Ipokia, Oba Raufu Adeole.

The final passage rite, which took place on April 15 2017, was more or less a carnival as the people of Ipokia ceased the one opportunity to display the rich cultural heritage of the town.

Oba Adeole died at the Lagos state Teaching Hospital (LUTH) on November 13, 2016, after a brief illness.

All burial rites have since been performed, according to reports.

Late Oba Raufu Oladeinde Adetunji Adeole, Onigbale III, was born at Iwaye Compound, Ipokia on 25th September, 1953 to the family of late Pa Ibrahim Idowu Adeole.

He attended the United African Methodist Church School, Ipokia in 1961 and passed out in 1967.

Oba Adeole proceeded to Lagos and joined YISS & Co. for training as an apprentice in clearing and forwarding.

After his apprenticeship, he started working with the company till 1980 when he established his private business.(Silva Cap Limited )

He ascended the throne in November 1985 and was crowned on Saturday 6th march, 1986 at the age of 32 years and reigned til 13th November, 2016 before he answered the calls of his ancestors, after achieving a lot for the people of Ipokia. 

Many important personalities  graced the occasion; among them were Ambassador Olusola Abolurin, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, Yomi Fashlanso, Otunba Akeem Adigun among others.