The ancient palace of the Elere of Ere-Ijesa, His Royal Majesty Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu III, on Monday hosted a special interdenominational remembrance and thanksgiving service in honour of the late Olori Florence Bolanle Alowolodu, who passed away in 2021.
The service, held as part of the Royal Palace Weekly Prayer Meeting, anchored by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ere-Ijesa chapter, brought together members of the Royal Family, Christian clergy, traditional and community leaders, as well as sons and daughters of Ere-Ijesa to celebrate the life, faith and legacy of the late Olori.
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The remembrance exhortation, titled “A Life of Praise, Service and Blessed Remembrance,” focused on the late Olori's devotion to God, her service to the Church and her involvement in the Children's Department, through which she contributed to the spiritual development of young people.
Drawing from Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth,” the preacher described praise as an expression of faith and gratitude to God.
The congregation was reminded that one of the most meaningful ways to remember someone who loved and served God was to continue in the faith and values that characterised the person's life.
The preacher also highlighted the late Olori's involvement in children's ministry, describing it as a significant but often quiet form of Christian service capable of influencing lives and shaping future generations.
He noted that a person's legacy should not be measured merely by the number of years lived, but also by the lives touched through love, kindness, faith and service.
The exhortation further drew from Proverbs 31:28 and Hebrews 11:4, emphasising that the testimony of a person's life can continue to speak long after physical departure.
According to the preacher, the remembrance of the late Olori should therefore serve not only as an occasion to recall her life but also as a challenge to the living to consider the legacy they would leave behind.
Particular prayers were offered for Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu III and members of the Royal Family, with the congregation praying for God's continued strength, preservation and comfort.
The service also reflected on John 14:1–6, with emphasis on Christ as the source of hope and comfort in times of bereavement.
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The preacher stressed that while the loss of a loved one naturally brings sorrow, Christian hope looks beyond earthly separation to the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The gathering concluded with a call on the congregation to emulate the virtues associated with the late Olori by living lives characterised by praise, service, love, faith and meaningful contribution to society.
OFBAF Takes Remembrance to Schools
The remembrance activities continued on Wednesday, when the Pastor Olori-Elere Florence Bolanle Alowolodu Foundation (OFBAF), sponsored by sons and daughters of the deceased, extended the commemoration to schools across Ere-Ijesa.
As part of the initiative, OFBAF visited public and private schools in Ere-Ijesa, distributing educational materials and refreshments to pupils and teachers.
The items distributed included mathematical sets, exercise books, pencils and refreshments such as Coca-Cola, Fanta and biscuits.
The gesture was aimed at supporting teaching and learning while reflecting the late Olori's connection with children and the importance attached to education and the development of younger generations.
Among the schools visited were Love of God Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Ere-Ijesa; Ere-Ijesa Community High School, Ere-Ijesa; and St. Stephen Primary School, Ere-Ijesa, alongside other participating schools in the community.
The initiative provided an opportunity for the children and teachers to be part of the remembrance in a practical way, turning the commemoration of the late Olori into an avenue for service to the community and investment in the younger generation.
The combination of the interdenominational service and the school outreach gave this year's remembrance a broader significance, linking faith, thanksgiving, education and community service.
Through the activities, the family and supporters of the late Olori sought to preserve her memory not only through prayers and thanksgiving but also through acts that could positively affect the lives of others.
Olori Florence Bolanle Alowolodu lived from 1960 to 2021. Her remembrance continues to provide an opportunity for the Royal Family, the Church and the Ere-Ijesa community to celebrate her life while encouraging acts of service that can benefit generations yet unborn.
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