In an unusual farewell directive, the late Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, the fourth Iyalode of Egbaland, had set forth specific instructions for her burial, leaving an imprint on her final rites.
The Central Planning Committee, responsible for organizing the burial activities slated for Monday in Abeokuta, has revealed that one of her unequivocal wishes was an absence of drumming and dancing during her funeral proceedings.
Chairman of the committee, Mr. Sanya Abiola, shared this revelation during a news conference at the residence of the late Lawson. He disclosed that this particular instruction was among her last wishes before her peaceful passing on October 28, at the age of 72.
He said the series of events to honour the late Iyalode is set to commence on Friday, adhering strictly to her wishes and celebrating her in a manner she deemed fit.
The NACCIMA Business Women Group (NAWORG) will kick off the commemoration with a special service in Lagos on Friday.
Furthermore, the ECOWAS Federation of Businesswomen Entrepreneurs is slated to host a night of tributes in her honour on December 4, also in Lagos.
In Abeokuta, the African Church of Nigeria will conduct a service of songs at the Cathedral of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, on December 5. Different groups, including the Association of Egba Traders (aka Egba Lawa), the Egba Christian Chiefs, the Oke-Ona Council of Chiefs, and Lawson Group of Schools, will host various sessions to pay homage to their departed matriarch.
The final farewell activities include a Christian Wake/Night of Tributes scheduled for December 7 at the Marquee of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, culminating in the funeral service on December 8 at the Cathedral of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape.
Abiola said as the community gathers to bid farewell to their cherished leaders, the absence of drumming and dancing remains respected in line with the wishes of the late Iyalode Lawson, whose life left an indelible mark on their lives.
