Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has set up a committee to coordinate a state-backed burial for the late former First Lady of the state, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabanjo.
The committee will be headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi. Other members include the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Mr Dare Alebiosu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo.
Governor Abiodun announced the decision on Thursday during a condolence visit to the Onabanjo family in Ijebu-Ode, following the death of the former First Lady.
He described Mrs Onabanjo as an outstanding and selfless woman who used her position in service to God, her family and humanity, adding that the Ogun State Government would play an active role in ensuring she receives a dignified burial befitting her status.
According to the governor, the late Mrs Onabanjo lived a long and fulfilled life, leaving behind a legacy worthy of celebration.
“Mama lived to the age of 100 and would have turned 101 this year. Hers was a purposeful and meaningful life, one that left lasting footprints and deserves to be celebrated,” Abiodun said.
He noted that she was married to the late Chief Bisi Onabanjo, a respected journalist and former governor of Ogun State, whose administration established key institutions such as Ogun State Television and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
The governor further described the deceased as a trained teacher, a devoted wife who stood firmly by her husband throughout his public service years, a loving mother and a model First Lady.
While acknowledging the sense of loss surrounding her passing, Abiodun said the state remained grateful for the exemplary life she lived.
“We mourn the passing of a remarkable woman, a former First Lady, and a proud daughter of Ijebu land and Ogun State. Yet, we must also be thankful that she lived a life that others can emulate,” he stated.
He urged members of the public to live lives of positive impact, stressing that death remains inevitable regardless of age.
“No matter how long one lives, death is certain. It is only a matter of time before God calls us home,” he added.
Governor Abiodun described Mrs Onabanjo’s death as a significant loss not just to her family but to Ogun State and the nation, and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
He also encouraged the family to find comfort in the honourable and fulfilled life she lived.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Bukola Onabanjo recounted the final moments of her mother and expressed appreciation for the values and godly upbringing she instilled in her children.
She thanked Governor Abiodun, the Ogun State Government and residents of the state for their support and solidarity during the period of mourning.
Late Chief, Mrs Lucia Onabanjo was born on October 26, 1925, and passed away on January 12, 2026.
