Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the constitution of a special committee to organise a State burial in honour of the late former First Lady of the State, Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabanjo, in recognition of her impactful life and enduring legacy.
The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi. Other key members include the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo. The committee has been mandated to ensure a dignified, well-coordinated burial befitting the wife of a former Governor of Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun disclosed this during a condolence visit to the Onabanjo family in Ijebu-Ode, where he described the late matriarch as a woman of uncommon grace whose life was defined by service, humility, and deep devotion to humanity.
He noted that Mama Lucia, who lived to the age of 100 and would have turned 101 this year, left behind a legacy worthy of celebration rather than mourning alone.
“She lived a fulfilled life marked by purpose and positive impact. Her years were not just long, but meaningful,” the Governor said.
Prince Abiodun recalled that she was married to Chief Bisi Onabanjo, a renowned journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, whose administration laid enduring foundations for the State, including the establishment of Ogun State Television and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Beyond her role as First Lady, the Governor described the late Chief Mrs. Onabanjo as a trained teacher, a supportive and dependable partner who accompanied her husband across the Country, a devoted homemaker, and a loving mother whose virtues positively shaped her family and community.
While acknowledging the pain of her passing, the Governor urged the public to draw inspiration from her exemplary life, stressing that longevity alone does not define success, but rather the impact and values one leaves behind.
“Death is inevitable for all, irrespective of age. What matters most is how well we live and the legacies we leave behind,” he stated.
He prayed for the repose of her soul and encouraged the family to take comfort in the honourable life she lived, describing her passing as a significant loss to Ogun State and the nation at large.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Olivia Olubukunola Onabanjo, daughter of the deceased and Chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, expressed deep appreciation to the Ogun State Government and the people of the state for the outpouring of support and solidarity.
She also reflected on the strong moral and godly foundation laid by her mother, noting that her values continue to guide the family.
Late Chief Mrs. Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo was born on October 26, 1925, and passed away on January 12, 2026.
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