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| In the middle: Pastor J.F. Omolola and his wife, (fourth from left) wife of CAC General Evangelist, Evang. Mrs. Esther Oladeji, (third from left) Wife of CAC Missions Director, Mrs. J.T. Fasuyi, (fourth from right), Secretary of CAC Ministers' Wives Fellowship, Mrs. Adenike Makinwa, (first from left) Wife of CAC Agbala-Itura DCC, Ibadan DCC Superintendent, Mrs. Akinpelu and other officers of CAC Ministers' Wives Fellowship at the burial ceremony |
It was a celebration of a virtuous woman who, though born into traditional religion and later married to a Muslim husband, eventually found her way into Christendom. This was the tone at the burial ceremony of the late Deaconess Maria Omonike Makinde, the mother-in-law of the Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbara Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), Lagos Pastor Joseph Omolola.
The grand celebration of a life well spent — that of a great mother who passed away at the remarkable age of 115, after raising many great generations — was held on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Arepo, Ogun State.
The ceremony began with a Christian Wake Service. Before the commencement of the service, undertakers from Wisdom Funeral Service, dressed in their ceremonial uniforms, carried the remains of the late Deaconess Makinde and gave her a well-organized parade of honour. The solemn yet graceful procession was accompanied by melodious burial music from their trumpeters and drummers, as they paraded the coffin through the length and breadth of Arepo, symbolizing a final farewell to a virtuous woman.
The Christian Wake Service had in attendance senior pastors in Christ Apostolic Church, also including members of the church the deceased attended and well wishers of Pastor Omolola.
Some of the notable ministers are the Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo and his wife, Regional Superintendent of Essien Region, Pastor I.O. Eyebiokin, Regional Superintendent of Pearce Region, Pastor S.O. Aluko and Superintendent of Oke-Ado DCC, Pastor Paul Sodeke amongst others.
In his message titled “The Real Death” (text: Revelation 20:5–15), the Superintendent of CAC Gospel DCC, Pastor Sunday John Ileti, explained that what people commonly regard as death on earth is not the same as what the Bible describes as death. He noted that, on earth, death is the separation of the soul from the body and spirit.
According to him, those who refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour will experience the real death, which is eternal damnation in hell.
He emphasized that being a Christian is not by mere words, but by a genuine confession of Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Saviour, urging the congregation to sincerely accept Christ into their lives.
The service concluded with prayers for the children, grandchildren, and sons- and daughters-in-law of the deceased, led by the Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo.
The following day, Saturday, October 18, 2025, the interment service was held at the same venue in Arepo, Ogun State, beginning as early as 8 a.m. The late Deaconess Makinde was laid to rest in the presence of her children, grandchildren, in-laws, church members, clergy, community members, and well-wishers. The programme was coordinated by the Regional Superintendent of Essien Region, Pastor I.O. Eyebiokin.
In his message before the interment, titled “Death is Sure, After Death What Next?”, the Superintendent of CAC Agbala-Itura DCC, Ibadan, Pastor A.O. Akinpelu, explained that death was a strange concept to the Thessalonians, which was why Apostle Paul addressed it in his letter.
He noted that death is inevitable for everyone, and therefore, no one should be afraid of it. According to him, what should concern every individual is life after death.
Pastor Akinpelu emphasized that eternal life after death is guaranteed only for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, while anyone without Christ has no assurance of life beyond the grave.
He further admonished believers that even after accepting Christ, they must continue to abstain from sin to remain worthy of eternal life.
A grand reception ceremony was held, attracting numerous well-wishers and notable church leaders, including the wife of the General Evangelist, Evang. Mrs. Esther Oladeji; the wife of the Missions Director, Mrs. J.T. Fasuyi; the wife of the Regional Superintendent of Pearce Region, Mrs. Julianah Aluko; the Director of Administration, Pastor Tope Dada; the Superintendent of Odi-Olowo DCC, Pastor D.O. Ogungbenjo, and his wife; as well as traditional chiefs and many other distinguished guests.
In her heartfelt tribute to her beloved mother, the wife of the Superintendent of CAC Agbara DCC, Evangelist Mrs. Rachael Omolola as a very caring mother, a prayer warrior and a tireless worker.
In her word;"Iya Maba,” as I fondly call you—my beautiful mother, a mother like no other.You gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, and most importantly, loved me unconditionally.
"Mama was a prayer warrior, even before she fully surrendered her life to Christ. She was a great cook who taught me the art of cooking from a very tender age. A tireless worker and true hustler, Mama never depended on any of her children for money until her passing. She left us a lasting inheritance—not only in material things but in godly values. A quiet and gentle achiever, easygoing and full of grace.
"Her marital lifestyle with my father and her caring attitude toward her daughters-in-law became a model for me. I prayed to love my husband the way she loved hers, and I prayed for a mother-in-law like her. God graciously answered both prayers.
"Mama loved everyone. She had no permanent friends and no permanent enemies; her heart was too large to hold grudges. She was dearly loved by her husband’s family because of her unmatched hospitality. She gave her life to Christ at CAC Isale Ake, Abeokuta, and loved her ministers dearly—always giving generously to them.
"Mama DNS Omonike was indeed a caring mother. You could never visit her without being served food. She was a disciplinarian—firm yet gentle and corrective. She would first speak to you, explain herself, and only discipline when necessary.
"Though she never had formal education, she valued learning greatly. She loved to have children around her and never traveled without taking some along. Whenever she visited, she came bearing foodstuffs and enough money to care for herself—never wanting to depend on anyone or be a burden to her children.
"Mama was disciplined even in her diet, maintaining her stature and good health until her final days. She remained strong and agile until April 2025, when the Lord called her home.
“Iya Maba,” as I always call you, the vacuum you left in both your paternal and maternal families is deeply felt. Your people are still asking: Who will fill it?
But I take solace in this blessed assurance — I know you did not die, Mama; you only sleep in the Lord.
A o pade lẹsẹ Jesu,
Nibi ti a o kọ ni yara wa,
A o rira wa, a o yọ mọra wa,
Jesu ni yoo ṣe Alaga wa."
Superintendent of CAC Agbara DCC, Pastor Joseph Folorunsho Omolola in his tribute titled 'Tribute to a Great Mother' said; "I came to know Mama DNS Maria Omonike Makinde in 1987 — the day I was officially introduced to my mother-in-law at Arepo, which was then a small village.
"Let me say a few words about this remarkable woman. Mama was truly the embodiment of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. She was kind, easygoing, loving, hardworking, good-tempered, generous, caring, neat, and decent in all her ways.
"Mama detested cheating and never associated herself with it. She loved all her in-laws, both sons and daughters, and treated everyone with fairness and affection. To me in particular, she would often say fondly, “Baba Matiu, ki se na mi” (“My dear Baba Matthew”).
"She was a devoted daughter who left her own comfort to care for her aged mother in Arepo until her passing in 1990. Mama dearly loved all her children and constantly prayed for them. Though she was born into humble beginnings, she died a great woman — leaving behind a rich inheritance of godly values and blessings that raised her children into prosperous men and women.
"Mama DNS Maria Omonike Makinde was both hardworking and smart-working. She provided for herself until her final days, never lacking anything. If you visited her in Arepo, the only “problem” you might encounter was the steady stream of customers coming to buy goods from her house.
"Even in her old age, Mama enjoyed sound health. She was neither hypertensive nor diabetic, and she ate all kinds of food — including eba and meat — without any restrictions.
"Mama gave her life to Christ at Christ Apostolic Church, Abeokuta. When she returned to Arepo and found no CAC assembly there, she began attending the Redeemed Church. Later, she became one of the foundation members of Christ Apostolic Church, Mount of Covenant, Arepo, where she remained a faithful and dedicated member until her passing in April 2025.
"Mama, you were indeed a great and silent achiever.Sleep on, beloved mother."
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