Olori Olanike Ogunleye goes to final rest in grandstyle
The remains of Olori Olanike Ogunleye, the wife of late traditional ruler of Akinale in Owu Kingdom were on Friday, March 13, 2026 committed to mother earth at the ancient town located in Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State.
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that the matriarch died on Monday February 9, 2026 at age of 66, at a private hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital after a brief illness, a sad incident which occurred one and half years after demise of her late husband who was the Towulade of Akinale and a renowned journalist
The Olori until her death was General Manager of bookshop of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, and had previously worked as a teacher at St Saviour Primary School in Lagos.
Penpushing further reports that the Ijesa born deceased later moved to Corona Schools as head of school, and she is blessed with two children, step children, sister, brothers, nieces and nephews, and she was a golfer, as well as an active member of Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria.
The final journey of the Olori, known to be a pillar of the education sector, who left an indelible mark on her students, colleagues and the wider community started with a wake keep held on March 12, 2026.
Penpushing also reports that this was followed with a burial service on March 13, 2026 and interment conducted by Baptist Church held at Baptist Primary School Field, Akinale along Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.
The corpse of the matriarch in a golden casket inside a motorcade from the palace was accompanied by convoy including family members, residents, friends and associates to the venue of the burial service
Penpushing also reports that the ceremony was well attended by the family of the deceased which include Ijesas, who came around to give her last respect, as well as Queens School Ibadan 73/77 Alumni set, which the late Olori was their mate
The other dignitaries include Chief (Mrs), Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Olori Khadijat Matemilola (Wife of Olowu of Owu Kingdom), Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Founder Penpushing Media), Owu Traditional Council Chiefs, Akinale Traditional Council Chiefs, Olori Dosunmu and Yeye Aderinokun among others
Penpushing reports that the order of service at the burial include processional hymn, call to worship, Bible reading, special tunes from combined choir by Bethel Baptist Association, special prayer for the family and Akinale community, tribute and thanksgiving
The students of the deceased in a tribute said she was a mentor who believed that a teacher’s primary role was to inspire, stressing that she leaves behind a treasure trove to knowledge, and a legacy of empowerment that will continue to shape and inspire generations to come
Penpushing further reports that the Queens School Ibadan 73/77 Alumni set in a tribute titled, ’Tribute to Queen Olori Olanike Ogunleye (Nee Akinola)’ said they came with deep love and honour to celebrates the beautiful life and legacy of their sister.
The old students, all female and colleagues described the deceased as a vibrant and unforgettable presence in their formative years at Queens School, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
‘With deep love and honour, the Queens School Ibadan 73/77 Alumni set celebrates the beautiful life and legacy of our dear sister, Olori Olanike Ogunleye. Olanike was a vibrant and unforgettable presence in our formative years at Queens School, Ibadan. A proud member of Baobab House, she distinguished herself not only through participation, but through excellence, leadership, and grace’.
‘A gifted performer, Olanike featured in two memorable school productions — Twelfth Night (by Shakespeare) and Obaluaye (by Duro Ladipo which was in collaboration with University of Ibadan Theatre Arts department)’.
‘She brought creativity, confidence, and brilliance to the stage. Her love for culture found powerful expression as the Leader of our Ijesa Dance Troop, where she carried tradition with dignity and joy. She also played a leading role in the School Marching Team, contributing to award-winning performances that brought pride to our House and our School’.
‘In sports, Olanike was a woman of strength and discipline — truly a sportswoman per excellence. She competed in Shot Put, Netball, and Volleyball, embodying resilience, teamwork, and excellence. Whether on the field, on stage, or in cultural displays, she gave her best’.
‘Music was one of the many expressions of her discipline and poise. Olanike was a member of the prestigious Queens School Choir which was recognised across Western state secondary schools. She featured in the Combined Choir with Government College Ibadan Choir’.
‘Beyond her achievements, Olanike was sweet, warm, and charming — a natural encourager and a “mother figure” to many. She maintained strong and loving relationships with classmates both at home and in the diaspora, remaining deeply connected to her roots and her set’.
‘As an educator, she carried forward her passion for “Passing on the Torch” to younger generations — investing in lives, shaping minds, and inspiring futures. Her legacy lives not only in memory, but in the many lives she touched’.
‘She is lovingly survived by her cherished children, step children, siblings, nieces and nephews who remain a living testimony of her love and devotion. Though our hearts feel the weight of her transition at 66, we celebrate a life beautifully lived — a life of leadership, service, culture, sport, friendship, and impact. Her legacy shall live on for posterity.’
Penpushing also reports that, the Band of Unity, St John’s Cathedral, Iloro, Ilesa, Osun State in a tribute sent to the deceased family, jointly signed by Mrs Titilola Amire (President) and Mrs Grace Adeyemi (Secretary) lamented the demise
‘Oh death, where is your sting? Oh grave, where is your victory? We stand here as members of the Band Unity, Iloro Cathedral Church of Ilesa to commiserate with you on the demise of our beloved sister, Olori Olanike Rachael Ogunlleye nee Akinola’
‘Our sister was beautiful inside and outside. She was amiable, soft spoken and of peaceful deneanour. I can recollect my las discussion with her sometime early January this year. I told her we do not feel her presence much on the platform, she promised me she woud change for good, and she really did. Her last post to our platform was on the 3rd of February 2026, not knowing she would not be present with us only 6 days earlier!’
We are saddened to hear that she passed on the 9th of February 2026, she couldn’t attend 2025 anniversary but said she would plan towards 2026. Though your time with us was short, your presence left a lasting impact’, the tribute read
‘You will be deeply missed by your beloved sisters, brother, fellowship members, and the church of God. The Lord gives and takes away. The Bible also tells us that we would not mourn or sorrow like the unbelievers. All we have to say is thank you, Lord’
‘We take solace in the fact that you have joined the church triumphant singing hallelujah! May your gentle soul find eternal peace and comfort in the love and memories we shared. Rest in peace, our dear beautiful sister Olori Olanike’
Penpushing reports that a popular musician, Segun Rockers was on band stand with his team at the reception to entertain the guests who came from far any near, to bid the deceased final farewell
The family of the late queen, represented by the first son, Prince Dele Ogunleye, as the programs came to an end expressed appreciation to the guests, friends, community and associates for the final honored extended to the family towards a befitting burial programmes.
‘The families of Ogunleye of Akinale Owu, Abeokuta and Akinola family of Ilesa, hereby express our gratitude and appreciation to everyone too numerous to mention here, who contributed in various ways to the success of the transition of our beloved matriarch. Thank you. May Almighty God bless you all, Amen’, the family stated
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