… Family Fixes April 9th & 10th for Final Burial Rites
The family of renowned media personality and Publisher of Hero Magazine International, Amb. Dr. Sunday Akinbiola, has been thrown into a solemn season of reflection following the passing of his mother, Mrs. Grace Adeola Akinbiola, barely two months after the death of his father, the revered High Chief Joseph Akinbiola (Baba Jossy), The Oyefusi of Irele Land, who died on October 18, 2025.
Speaking with Event Diary Lifestyle, the publisher recounted:
“I lost my father in October, and together we were planning for his final burial. But on December 20th — exactly two months and two days later — my mother, Mrs. Grace Adeola Akinbiola, joined her husband. Mama has since been laid to rest according to her last wish in her son’s house in Irele.”
Preparations are now underway for their final burial ceremonies scheduled for April 9th and 10th, 2026, in honour of the late patriarch and matriarch.
The two-day programme will begin with a Wake Keep at his residence, 14 Owodunni Street, Ode-Irele, on April 9, 2026. Interment follows on April 10, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at the same residence, after which an Outing Service will hold by 10:00 a.m. at Christ Apostolic Church, Irele DCC Headquarters, along Otu Road, Ode-Irele. Reception follows immediately at Methodist Primary School, Ode-Irele.
A Life of Grace, Discipline and Motherly Strength — The Story of Late Mrs. Grace Adeola Akinbiola
Born on December 12, 1940, into the family of Pa Adesioye of Gboroye Quarters, Mrs. Grace Adeola Akinbiola was raised in a disciplined home grounded in integrity, diligence and communal responsibility.
She attended primary and modern school, excelling both academically and in athletics — her speed on the track earning her the nickname “Opel.”
She briefly worked as a school mistress before devoting herself to family life and small-scale trading, running a modest shop on Owodunni Street, Ode-Irele, where she maintained her commitment to hard work and self-reliance until her passing.
A devoted wife, mother and moral guide, she raised her children with discipline, faith and unity. She is survived by her children — Molu, Fehintoluwa, Folake, Ibukunoluwa, Oluwabamise, Kikelomo, Amb. Dr. Sunday Akinbiola, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Known for her peaceful nature, hospitality, neatness and wise counsel, Mama lived a life of order, compassion and quiet strength.
In accordance with her wishes, she was not placed in a mortuary and was laid to rest on December 22–23, 2025, after a brief illness.
High Chief Joseph Akinbiola — A Royal Life of Honour, Service and Generational Impact
“Some men leave footprints in the sand — others carve their legacy into people.”
The late High Chief Joseph Akinbiola, the Oyefusi of Irele, fondly called Baba Jossy, was a respected member of the Opetusin Royal Dynasty of Irele, Ondo State. Though he had no formal education, he rose through resilience, discipline and dignity.
He mastered the craft of carpentry, running a successful workshop for over three decades — a place where many young men found mentorship, training and direction. Numerous apprentices under him later became respected artisans and community leaders.
A devoted father, he dedicated his life to ensuring his children received the education he never had — a dream now reflected in their achievements.
Among his children are: Hon. Akinbiola Oluwatobi Nicholas — politician, philanthropist and CEO of Tojumak Investment; Dr. Sunday Akinbiola — medical professional, publisher and humanitarian founder of Hero Foundation for Widows; Dr. Lanre Akinbiola — Medical Director, Akinbiola Medical Centre, Ikorodu; and others including Akinbiola Oluwaseyi, Tayo, Oluwabamise, Yinka, Oluwadaisi, Remilekun, Kikelomo, Rotimi, Bamidele, and the late Oluwaseun.
He built a peaceful, united family with his wives: Mama Nicholas — Mrs. Gbemigun Akinbiola; Mama Sunday — Mrs. Grace Adeola Akinbiola (late); and Mama Lanre — Mrs. Adunni Akinbiola.
A man of faith, compassion and generosity, he remained one of the last elders of his generation in Irele — a custodian of wisdom, culture and community heritage.
The passing of both parents within months created a deeply emotional chapter for the Akinbiola family — yet their legacy lives on.