She lived in dignity –Commentators
By Olamiotan Afolabi
The burial ceremony of late Mrs. Janet Ojoye Ale, the mother of former Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, was a celebration of her life, with tributes showered on her legacy. The ceremony took place in Owo, Ondo State, with family, friends and well-wishers in attendance.
The Christian burial service took place on January 23, 2026, at the Lord’s New Church Cathedral, Oke-Ogun, Owo while the Christian wake was held the previous day, January 22, 2026 at the family compound, No. 4, Ijasan Street off Oke-Ogun. The interment took place at her residence, and entertainment of guests followed at Imade College, Owo, Ondo State.
The ceremony was a gathering of notable personalities including the Governor of Ondo State represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa; APC chieftain, Senator Remi Okurinboye; the Chairman/CEO, Mydas Hotel and Resort, Aare (Dr.) Rotimi Ibidapo OON; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by House of Assembly member representing Owo Constituency l, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; Commissioner for Land and Housing, Hon. Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye; the Alumni President of University of Ilorin, Dr. Wale Fasakin; former Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo and the acting Chairman of Owo Local Government area, Hon. Ibrahim Ahmed.
Traditional rulers in attendance were the Ondo State Chairman of Obas-in-council, the Olowo of Owo, HIM, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo, HRM, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, the Olupemen of Upemen, HRM Adesanmi Ebinezer Ogunmolasuyi II, and the Oliyere of Iyere Kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr.) Omotunde Alaba Ebiyanmi Adako, who were symbolically represented by their Staffs of Office, among other high-profile figures.
Speaking with THE HOPE at the Christian wake keep, the acting Bishop of the Lord’s New Church Cathedral; Reverend (SDS) Petina Akindele Famuagun, praised the late Mrs. Janet Ale.
“Mama was a gracious gift to many people, she was blessed to live a godly life. Her humble, prayerful and hardworking character can be compared to the biblical virtuous woman described in Ruth 3 and Proverbs 31. Her dedication and support to the Church will be missed”.
Delivering a sermon at the church burial service titled “Olododo ma n gba bi igi Ope” meaning “The righteous person shall thrive like a palm tree”, the Cathedral Priest of the Lord’s New Church Cathedral; Reverend Edward Ogungbuji described mama as a great woman of virtue who has laid a foundation for her children to flourish.
“I appreciate God Almighty for mama’s life, a life well spent. She was a woman of faith, loving God and His church, a good wife, and mother to many. Let’s reflect on our own lives – what will they say about us when we’re gone? Let’s strive to live peaceful lives, because this life isn’t ours to keep. Mama will be deeply missed. May God grant her eternal peace.”
Speaking with THE HOPE, the granddaughter of late Mrs. Janet Ale, Miss. Dorcas Ale, spoke about how she will deeply miss her grandmother, especially how caring and loving she was.
“Granny was more than just a grandmother,” she was a friend, a teacher and our defender. She taught us Owo dialect and the history of Owo. She would always stand up for us, shielding us from parental scolding. I’ll miss her so much, her love and care were unmatched,” she said.
The great grandson of Mama who also spoke with THE HOPE, Mr. Abiodun Otokoti, described how Mama’s disciplinary character had shaped his life.
“It is no doubt that my great-grandmother would be missed because she was a woman of great virtues. Her discipline nurtured my grandfather, Chief Olugbenga Ale, who instilled that in me and which has shaped me to who I am today”.
Also speaking at the ceremony, one of mama’s daughters-in-law, Mrs. Folasade Ale, described Mama as a loving and accommodating mother -in-law and a lover of God.
“Mama wasn’t just my mother-in-law, she was like my mother. She was a cheerful giver, peaceful and accommodating woman. I remember how she warmly welcomed me to the family and embraced me with love until her last breath. I will miss her and I pray God grants a peaceful rest “.
Speaking about Late Mrs. Ojoye Ale, one of her step sons, Mr. Felix Ale, gave his farewell speech.
“Mama was a good person with a beautiful heart, she was so accommodating and embraced all the family members. May her soul rest peacefully “.
In a chat with THE HOPE, Chief Olugbenga Ale, ex -Chief of Staff to the former governor of Ondo State, shared his heartfelt memories of his mother, Mrs. Janet Ojoye Ale.
“My mother was an extraordinary woman. She was hardworking, a master weaver of traditional aso oke, and a savvy trader. Education was her priority, and she ensured all her children received the best. Despite facing challenges in her polygamous marriage, she remained patient and managed her home with grace. She was loving, peaceful and disciplined. She shaped me into the man I am today. I’m grateful to be her son, and I’ll miss her dearly. I pray she rests in peace.”
Chief Ale also thanked those who attended the ceremony to celebrate his mother’s life while paying their last respects.