The late Chief (Mrs.) Florence Oyinsan, who passed on at the age of 73, was a woman of rare grace, strength and deep Christian conviction. She was the wife of Chief Joseph Adesanya “Sanya” Oyinsan (JP) and the revered matriarch of the Oyinsan family. Her life was defined by industry, resilience, selfless service and an unwavering love for God and humanity.
The two-day burial programme will commence with a lying-in-state at her Akure residence on Thursday, January 15, 2026, by 12 noon, followed by a Christian Wake Service at 5pm, also at the family residence.
The final farewell will hold on Friday, January 16, 2026, with a Funeral Service at 10am at St. David’s Cathedral Church, Ijomu, Akure. Interment will follow immediately, after which guests will be hosted to a grand reception at the International Conference Hall (The Dome), Igbatoro Road, Alagbaka, Akure, by 1pm.
Mama’s children—Eyitayo Oyinsan, Seun Pitan Oyinsan, Temitope Oyinsan, Funmilayo Sarah Ademolu (née Oyinsan) and Gbemileke Oscar Oyinsan—are leaving no stone unturned to give their beloved mother a befitting, grand and memorable carnival-like burial, worthy of her remarkable life and enduring legacy.
BRIEF PROFILE
Born Florence Olufunke Akinbade-Bepo, the late Chief Oyinsan was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, sister, accomplished businesswoman and banking executive. She received her early education at Bodija Primary School, Ibadan (1960–1965), and proceeded to Anglican Secondary School, Oritamefa, Ibadan (1966–1970).
She began her professional career at the University of Ibadan, where she worked as a typist and undertook several professional courses that sharpened her administrative and organisational skills. Her diligence and discipline later found fuller expression in the business world, where she distinguished herself as a major distributor for Guinness Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries, earning wide respect for her integrity, enterprise and sound business judgement.
In recognition of her exceptional character and leadership capacity, she was appointed a Director of Union Bank of Nigeria on December 6, 1993. She served two terms on the Board, notably as the only female Director during her tenure—an historic and trailblazing role that underscored her courage, competence and influence in a traditionally male-dominated corporate environment.
She was married on December 26, 1970, in Ibadan, and enjoyed 55 years of a blissful and devoted union with her husband, Chief Sanya Oyinsan (JP). Their marriage was blessed with five children—Eyitayo Oyinsan, Seun Pitan Oyinsan, Temitope Oyinsan, Funmilayo Sarah Ademolu (née Oyinsan) and Gbemileke Oscar Oyinsan—as well as twelve grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy.
Widely described as the anchor of her home, Mama Oyinsan was a loyal wife, nurturing mother and deeply affectionate grandmother. Following the passing of her husband’s biological mother over three decades ago, she selflessly assumed that maternal role within the extended family, serving with uncommon devotion and love.
After a prolonged illness, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Olufunke Oyinsan (JP) passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025, just four days shy of her 73rd birthday, which would have been celebrated on October 10. Her passing marked a painful loss for the Oyinsan and Akinbade-Bepo families, the church community, and all whose lives she touched through her generosity, outreach programmes and service to the body of Christ.
As Akure prepares to host dignitaries from across Nigeria—including top government officials, captains of industry, church leaders and high-profile socialites—one thing is clear: the life of Chief (Mrs.) Florence Olufunke Oyinsan (JP) will continue to speak. Though she will be sorely missed, her enduring legacy of faith, love, dignity and quiet strength lives on in her family and in the many lives she impacted.