With deep gratitude and reverence, family, friends, and her community gathered to celebrate the remarkable life of Olori Modupeola Risikat Adunni Akinyemi, who passed on into glory after a life beautifully lived in faith, service, and love.
The funeral ceremonies began with a solemn and deeply moving Wake Keep on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, where loved ones shared tributes and testimonies that painted a vivid portrait of a woman who lived for others and God.
The service opened with Bible readings by her sons: Seyi Akinyemi, who took the first reading, and Ope Akinyemi, who handled the second, drawn from John 14:1-10 — a reminder of Christ’s promise and eternal rest.
The wake featured a range of heartfelt tributes:
Ayotunde Yoloye, Chairman of George Crescent Residents Association, spoke on behalf of the community, praising her integrity and strong support for neighbourhood causes.
Funmilayo Ayodokun Okanlawon, sister-in-law to the deceased, offered prayers for the family and recalled Olori Akinyemi’s warmth and love.
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Olaide Adisa, from the Balogun family, who described her as “sister-like”, was in tears as she remembered a bond that went beyond blood.
Babatunde Ayegbola, representing the in-laws, highlighted the deep connection their daughter shared with the family through marriage.
Leke Akinyemi, her son, delivered an emotional testimony about her sacrificial love for her children, her love for celebration, and her fearless approach to life and death.
The sermon that evening focused on the theme of eternity, with the pastor emphasising the importance of running one’s earthly race with faith, drawing from Revelation 14:13, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
A call to salvation was extended, and prayers were said over the family, asking for comfort, peace, and divine strength.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Abimbola Olaitan, who expressed the family’s gratitude for the overwhelming show of love and support.
The Thanksgiving and Funeral Service
The final rites took place at Winners Chapel, 66, Wempco Road, Ogba, Lagos on Thursday, April 10, 2025, beginning at 10am.
The tone was one of reverent celebration, honouring a woman whose life touched many.
The service began with opening prayers, praise and worship, followed by hymns that echoed through the hall, bringing peace to the grieving hearts.
A poignant Bible reading from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 reminded every one of the hope of resurrection.
The pastoral message, which included greetings from Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, emphasised eternal peace and urged the congregation to reflect on the enduring power of a godly legacy.
Special prayers were offered for the immediate family, and announcements were made regarding the interment at Redemption City.
A Life of Purpose and Impact
Born on January 23, 1963 in Lagos, Olori Modupeola Risikat Adunni Akinyemi came into the world under unique circumstances, earning the nickname: “Iya Ikeja,” from birth due to her caesarean delivery at Ikeja General Hospital.
She was the youngest of five children and lost her father at the tender age of two in 1965.
Her early education was at Lagos African Church Grammar School, Ifako-Agege, followed by studies at Lagos State College of Science and Technology (now LASUSTECH), where she obtained her OND and HND in Business Administration.
She later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Lagos (Unilag).
During her NYSC year (1987–1988), she served in Lagos and began her career at Modular Group of Architects, eventually rising to the role of Administrative Manager.
With a spirit for entrepreneurship, she launched several businesses over the years, including:
The Spice Restaurant (food and catering), The Great Multitude and Surprises (event décor and rentals), and SAWAKE Ventures Limited (drinks and beverage distribution).
Her company, SAWAKE Ventures Limited, grew into an award-winning distributor in Lagos, recognized by major brands, including Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria PLC, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7-Up, La Casera, and Bendel Breweries.
Yet beyond her business acumen, Olori Modupeola Akinyemi was a devoted Christian, known for her compassion, counsel, and generosity.
A committed worshipper at Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), she was widely loved and respected in both the Balogun and Ogundume families, as well as in her husband’s family.
Married to Idowu Akinyemi since August 17, 1985, their union spanned 39 years, blessed with four children and several grandchildren, all of whom she supported with unwavering love and guidance.
A Legacy Remembered
Numerous tributes were sent in from corporate partners and religious bodies, including Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Swanlux Global Investments Limited, Planet Bottling Company, and Grace Family Global Church, all speaking to the impact she made beyond her home and immediate community.
Though there were moments of sorrow during the services, the overriding emotion was that of joy and celebration for a life well-lived in service to God, family, and humanity.
Her family finds strength in the knowledge that she is resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, and they hold on to the eternal hope that one day, they will meet again.
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