Offa community stood still earlier today as dignitaries, family members, and friends gathered to pay their respects at the Service of Songs for the late Chief Banji Olawoyin, Bobajiro of Offa, which held at the African Church, Iyeru Okin Parish, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Offa.
The programme followed the lying-in-state earlier in the day at his Ipee Road residence, where the body of the revered community leader was laid for public homage.
The Service of Songs attracted prominent figures across traditional, political, business, and religious circles. The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I, was ably represented by the Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola, FNIM, who led the Olofa-in-Council to honour the memory of the departed statesman.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Asiwaju of Offa, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi; Alhaji Bola Oyebode; Senator Lola Ashiru, Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South, with his wife Alhaja Rukayat Ashiru; Alhaji Sulaiman Olatunji Omituntun, Chairman of Offa Local Government; Hon. David Seun Ogunniyi Adato, member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly; Alhaja Wosilat McCarthy, Bobaselu of Offaland; Chief Oluremi Oyindasola Oni, Okanlomo of Offa, and his wife, Chief Mrs. Bolanle Titilayo Oni, Yeye Okanlomo of Offa.
Also present were Sir (Prince) Robert Olusoji Olagunju, KSG, Aremo of Offaland, with his wife Lady (Dr.) Olabisi Olagunju, Yeye Aremo of Offaland; Chief Yinka Arooyemu, Otun Baba Ewe of Iyeru Okin African Church; Dr. Abdulwaheed Tunde Lawal, Chief Parakoyi of Offaland; Hon. Femi Agbaje Whyte, Adviser on Political Matters to Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Mr. Shola Akinfenwa, former MD of Skye Bank; Asiwaju Mashood Shittu, AMS, National Coordinator of Kwankwaso National Network (KNN); Prof. Muritala Awodun, former Executive Chairman of KWIRS; and Engr. Kola Shittu Okulunbu.
The solemn service featured hymns, prayers, and tributes in celebration of the life and legacy of Chief Olawoyin, who was described as a pillar of Offa community, a leader of leaders, and a father figure whose contributions to development will not be forgotten.
The final Funeral Service will hold tomorrow, Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the African Church, Iyeru Okin Parish, Offa, after which interment will follow at his residence on Ipee Road.
