Tributes flow as Gbemisola Olowolafe is laid to rest

The funeral of Gbemisola Olowolafe, wife of the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, and former Chairman of GZ Industries, Tunji Olowolafe; held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olive Tree Parish, Banana Island; followed by internment, then a reception at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

The Bible readings at the service were taken by the son of the deceased, Funbi; while her daughter, Olanike, read her biography.

Tributes also flowed generously from associates of the deceased, including Reagan Old Girls Association (Class ‘77), Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; alumni of the University of Ilorin, a representative of the children department in the church where she served, the Lighthouse Ladies Fellowship, and the Legacy Group (Elders Fellowship)

While delivering a sermon, the cleric noted that she lived a life of impact and will forever be remembered for it, adding that she “slept” after she had served God’s purpose in her generation. Her family was later called up on the podium and prayed for.

The reception began with a rendition of some of the deceased’s favourite songs, more tributes, and a vote of thanks by her son, Afolabi.  The Loud Choir, and saxophonist, Beejay Sax, also entertained guests.

Guests at the event include Vice President Kashim Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia; Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Babatunde Fashola, James Ibori, Ibikunle Amosun, Nasir El-Rufai, Niyi Adebayo, Kayode Fayemi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aliko Dangote, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, among other notable personalities.

Prior to the funeral, a service of songs, and a night of tributes held on April 9, 2025.