Orin-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was agog as the remains of Olori Rachel Adelubi Ilori, mother of a former Chief of Staff to an Ekiti State Governor, were laid to rest.
The late octogenarian, wife of the late Olorin of Orin-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori, died at the age of 87, forty-five years after the demise of her husband.
Children, relatives, friends and well-wishers from across the country converged on the ancient town to pay their last respects to the revered community and church leader.
A unique aspect of the life of the late Olori Rachel Ilori was that she and her husband both served as ministers in God’s vineyard before Oba Ilori eventually ascended the throne of his forebears.
Born in 1938 into the family of Late Chief and Mrs Thomas Faturoti, Olori Ilori received her primary education before proceeding to Ibadan, where she trained as a sewing mistress.
She married a Methodist Church minister, and the couple served in various stations including Ago-Iwoye, Ilaro, Ikorodu and Oye-Ekiti. Throughout these postings, Mama Ilori was deeply involved in church activities, particularly the women’s fellowship, where she served as president in all the local churches they worshipped.
She later returned home with her husband following his selection and installation as the Olorin of Orin-Ekiti.
Her final journey began with a Christian wake at her residence, Ule Adebanji, Ifaki Road, Orin-Ekiti, coordinated by leaders of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.
The Bishop of Kwara Diocese, Rt. Revd. Joseph Osifuwa, described the late Olori as a yardstick for measuring dedication and commitment to service in God’s vineyard.
Dignitaries at the wake included former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni, Chairman of Green Energy International Limited Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, Dr. Goke Adegoroye, the Olu of Oke-Lisa Tuntun, Akure, Kabiyesi Kunle Ajanaku, and other prominent personalities.
The funeral service held on Saturday at the Orin-Ekiti Circuit of the Methodist Church of Nigeria attracted captains of industry and leaders from various sectors of the economy.
In his sermon, the officiating minister, Rt. Revd. Rufus Babalola, described the late Olori as a woman of contentment, perseverance and humility who nurtured her children in the fear of God and ensured they received sound education. He urged women to emulate her virtues and live upright lives.
The remains of the late Olori, fondly called Iya-Yard, were later committed to mother earth at her residence on Ifaki Road.
Speaking on behalf of the family, her first child, Prince Segun Ilori, former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Segun Oni and Director of Legal and Corporate Services at Green Energy International Limited, said his mother guided her children firmly in the way of the Lord and played a pivotal role in shaping their lives following their father’s death over four decades ago.
Other children, including Princess Fadekemi Adegoke, Princess Kayode Ilori, daughter-in-law Mrs Blessing Ebun Ilori, and grandchildren, described the late matriarch as a lover of children who made immense sacrifices for the success of her family.
Also paying tributes, dignitaries including former Governor Segun Oni and a former Minister of State for Works and former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority described Olori Ilori as a community leader who lived an exemplary life of service and motherhood.
The burial ceremony was also attended by the management and staff of Green Energy International Limited, First Otakikpo Midstream Limited, and Atlantic Terminal Infrastructure Limited, from Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Following the death of her husband, Mama Ilori relocated to Akure, Ondo State, where she established a fashion design and trading business, while remaining active in the women’s fellowship of the Methodist Cathedral, Gbogi, Akure.
She was installed as Asiwaju Obinrin Ijo, received the Susan Wesley Award, and held several leadership positions in church and community life. She also served as chairperson and motivator of the Oba Samuel Adebanji Ilori Foundation, which focuses on education, health and Christian evangelism.
Olori Rachel Adelubi Ilori passed away on November 24, 2025.
