The Skies wept, the Earth rejoiced: Chief Rachael Jegede’s journey home in grandeur. By Binta Haroon
The Skies wept, the Earth rejoiced: Chief Rachael Jegede’s journey home in grandeur
It was a farewell like no other, drenched in emotion, soaked in tributes, and blessed by the heavens themselves. As torrents of rain graced the skies, it seemed even nature bowed in honour of Chief Racheal Olaribiwa Amoke Jegede.
Over three unforgettable days, from the Bell Funeral Home in Ado-Ekiti to the moving wake-keep, the colourful artiste night, and her final interment in Odo-Ayedun, Ekiti State, family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate a life well-lived and a matriarch who touched hearts across generations.
The rain was seen as a sign of the heavens’ readiness to receive the great matriarch.
Her children, friends, and extended family gathered to receive her remains at the Bell Funeral Home, where undertakers were fully prepared to escort her to her hometown for the final rites. She was ceremoniously conveyed from Ado-Ekiti to Odo-Ayedun on the evening of Thursday, 3rd July 2025.
A grand night of tributes followed on Friday, 4th July, after a sermon that preceded the artiste night, which lasted until dawn.
Delivering the sermon, the Very Rev. J.S. Ogunleye spoke on “Living Eternally in Heaven,” urging the congregation to live Christ-like lives. He emphasised that good records and a faithful life are the only certificates for eternal life. He described the glowing tributes as both challenging and inspiring.
Julius Olusola Jegede, the matriarch’s third child and first son, described his mother as hardworking, loving, and selfless. He lauded her strength, generosity, and leadership, highlighting her role as a successful businesswoman, a high chief in Ayedun, and a respected women’s leader.
“She stood by her husband, defended her children, and was always there for me when I was treated unfairly,” he said emotionally. He urged the family and community to emulate her lifestyle of love, resilience, and service.
Yetunde Omoduni Oritoke Ogunsanya, her sixth daughter, described Mama as tolerant, graceful, and dignified. “Though not formally educated, Mama travelled with me abroad for over two decades and built relationships, even with foreigners,” she recounted.
She praised Mama’s humility and warmth, promising the family’s continued commitment to the church. “We will not depart; our spirit and body remain here.”
Elder James I. Oluyi, a close neighbour and family member, described her as a rare gem. “It’s hard to find someone completely loved by all. She was peaceful and never in conflict. Her character made everyone in the family adore her.”
A representative of the Ogunmowowe family called her a unifying figure across her paternal, maternal, and marital homes, known for her exemplary conduct and sense of responsibility. A relative added, “She always checked on her siblings. Her presence at every occasion earned her admiration and respect.”
A benefactor also recalled, “Mama was very generous. She always brought plenty of foodstuffs when she visited.” She prayed for her eternal rest.
In an interview with Ebony Herald, Mrs Olutope Foluke Anike Fasuyi, the first child, described her mother as “a mother in a million,” adding, “I miss her cuddles, her affection, everything. She died when I needed her most, after losing my daughter.”
She fondly recalled Mama’s daily calls and spiritual support, her vibrant home full of children watching films, and her deep connection with the community. “Some came every morning just to see her. Whatever she had, she shared.”
She encouraged her siblings to uphold Mama’s legacy of unity and generosity.
Olukayode Jegede, Director of News and Current Affairs at the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, described his mother as a woman who “came, saw, and conquered.”
“There was nothing we couldn’t do for her in her lifetime, and now we are doing our best to give her a befitting farewell.”
Calling her the epitome of goodness, he added, “Every mother should emulate her. She would spend her last kobo on us. Her shoes are too large to fill.”
In conclusion, he said, “I’ll miss her deeply. I am Olukayode Jegede, omo Olaribiwa. That name now brings both pride and pain. But I take solace in knowing she is in a better place.”
Mr Akinloye Jegede, the youngest child, described his mother as a phenomenal woman who transcended language and tribal barriers. “Mama had friends from all ethnicities despite not speaking English,” he said. He highlighted her legacy as a church and community leader, as well as a respected trader.
The monarch, the Owa of Odo-Ayedun-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Dr Solomon Ilesanmi Ajibade (JP), Ajigbotoluwa I, could not attend the ceremony due to traditional restrictions but described Chief Racheal Olaribiwa Amoke Jegede as a rare gem and a pillar of unity.
“She was a devout Christian and a Chief under my authority. Her support for my reign, honesty, and truthfulness were second to none,” he said.
He acknowledged the success of her children globally and urged the community to continue her legacy of love, peace, and godliness. “Without unity, we can achieve nothing. Let us continue in the way of God.”
At the funeral and outing service held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ayedun, on Saturday, 5th July 2025, Very Rev. Titiloye Olusola Kehinde preached a message titled “Death Not the End.”
“Death is a transition,” he said. “It doesn’t discriminate, and it comes for everyone. But for those who live in Christ, it is not the end.”
He urged everyone to examine their lives and relationship with God, stating that true reward lies beyond this world.
Bishop Titus I. Omoniyi, in a message delivered earlier, praised Mama Jegede’s legacy and the devotion of her children. “She was a respected elder and lived a life worth emulating.”
Rev. Kehinde, who permitted the reading of Mama’s epistle by her first child, Mrs Olutope Fasuyi, stated that it was a reflection of her impactful and godly life. He encouraged the congregation to take lessons from her values, especially her punctuality. “Though some arrived late, Mama never did. Time is precious.”
Chief Racheal Olaribiwa Amoke Jegede was more than a mother, wife, and leader. She was a woman of substance, pious and virtuous to the core, whose life was anchored in faith, family, and service.
Her story is a living testament to what it means to live purposefully, give generously, and love unconditionally.
She did not merely pass through this world; she changed it for the better.
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