Owo, Ondo State, is set to receive a large influx of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond as they gather from Sunday, April 12, to honour the memory of Chief Mrs. Deborah Adeyoriola Ujayoriade Ajanaku Makun, who died at the age of 104.
Until her passing, she served as the Iya Isale of Methodist Church Nigeria, Owo Diocese, Oke-Owo Circuit, Fajuyi Road, Owo.
Mama Ujayoriade was among the 27 wives of the late business mogul, Chief Jimoh Ajanaku Makun of the Ajanaku Makun Group of Companies, who also held the title of Seriki Musilimu of Owoland.
Renowned for her legacy, she was a respected trader, a pioneering figure, philanthropist, and community leader, remembered for her enduring impact on human development and the growth of her community.
Mama Ujayoriade Ajanaku passed away on December 17, 2025.
Mama is survived by four children. The firstborn is Erelu Remilekun Mulikat Ibidapo, wife of the offshore oil magnate, hotelier, multiple-chief title holder, and philanthropist socialite, Prince Rotimi Benjamin Ibidapo, OON. She is followed by U.S.-based Nigerian automobile dealer Mr. Makanjuola Sikiru Makun; Owo-based businesswoman Mrs. Yemisi Olawumi Modupe; and the last born, U.S.-based Nigerian businessman Mr. Olarotimi Ajanaku Makun, who is the first son. Mama also left behind a sister, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, over 89 stepchildren, mentees, and a great number of admirers.
In the week-long, fully packed funeral rites beginning today, dignitaries expected to grace the occasions include Governors, distinguished Senators, honourable members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly members, politicians, diplomats, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and notable figures from across Nigeria, West Africa, and the diaspora.
The lineup of activities is as stated below:
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Saturday, April 11:
- Healthcare Services @ Mama’s Residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
- Time: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, April 12, 2026:
- WELCOME PARTY @ Swimming Poolside, Mydas Hotel & Resorts, Km 1 Owo-Ikare Road, Owo, Ondo State
- Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Dress Code: Casual
Monday, April 13, 2026:
- Healthcare Services @ Mama’s Residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
- Time:6:00 am – 6:00 pm
- OWO CULTURAL DAY@ Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
- Time:10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Dress Code: Chocolate/Cream & Brown
Tuesday, April 14, 2026:
- AJABGUE TRADITIONAL DANCE ROUND THE TOWN taking off from Mama Deborah Ujayoriade Ajanaku Makun’s residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
- Time:9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Dress Code: Customized dress
- Evening GET-TOGETHER
- Time:7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
- SERVICE OF SONGS @ Ayibowu Hall, Mydas Hotel & Resorts, Km 1 Owo-Ikare Road, Owo, Ondo State
- Time:4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Dress Code: Lilac
- MELODY NIGHT starring Faith Band
- Time:7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Thursday, April 16, 2026:
- Motorcade Procession with Mama’s remains from St. Louis Catholic Hospital, Oke-Ogun Street, Owo, Ondo State at 9:00 am
- LYING-IN-STATE @ her residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, for one hour, followed by relocation to Chief Jimoh Ajanaku Makun’s residence, 11 Isolo Street, Ijebu-Owo, Ondo State
- CHRISTIAN WAKE/COMMENDATION SERVICE@ Ajanaku Makun House, 11 Isolo Street, Ijebu-Owo
- Time:4:30 pm
- Dress Code: White & Burgundy
- Evening COMMENDATION PROGRAM continues with Nigerian gospel celebrity Laolu Gbenjo @ Ajanaku Makun House, 11 Isolo Street, Ijebu-Owo
Friday, April 17, 2026:
- CHURCH FUNERAL SERVICE/THANKSGIVING @ The Methodist Church Nigeria, Owo Diocese, Oke-Owo Circuit, Fajuyi Street, Owo
- Time:10:00 am prompt
- INTERMENT @ her residence, Surulere Street, Uka, Owo, Ondo State
- Time:1:00 pm
- RECEPTION with King Sunny Ade & His New African Beats @ Boje Signature, Mydas Hotel & Resorts, Km 1 Owo-Ikare Road, Owo, Ondo State
- Party After Party: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
- Dress Code: Ankara Aso-ebi
