The family of the late Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), the Olowomeye I of Ikaleland and the 2024 SDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, has constituted a high powered Burial Planning Committee to coordinate activities for his final burial ceremonies scheduled for the first week of September 2026 in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the family by Samuel Oluwafemi Akingboye (JJ), the committee was formed after extensive consultations with family members and key stakeholders and comprises representatives of the family, political associates, business partners, friends, personal aides and traditional institutions.
The committee is chaired by Hon. Benedict Olumide Taiwo (BOT), with Chief (Mrs.) Obayan Kudirat serving as Co Chairperson and Oyeniyi Iwakun as Secretary.
It has been mandated to develop programmes and schedules for the burial, prepare a workable budget, coordinate logistics, manage invitations and guests, and submit recommendations for approval.
Eight sub-committees covering security, media, party liaison, diaspora relations, welfare, traditional rites, finance and special duties have also been established to ensure a successful and befitting farewell for the late statesman, political leader and community figure.
The family appealed to political associates, friends, community leaders, traditional rulers and well-wishers to support the committee’s efforts and contribute to honouring the memory of the deceased.
Central Committee Members
- Hon. Benedict Olumide Taiwo (BOT) – Chairman
- Chief (Mrs.) Obayan Kudirat – Co-Chairperson
- Oyeniyi Iwakun – Secretary
- Hon. Osulowo Tibetan
- Prince Wale Ikuesan
- Mrs. Funke Pirisola
- Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli
- Mr. Femi Ikoyi
- Wande T. Ajayi
- Mr. Leye Igbagbo
- Hon. Henry Makinde
- Ayo Williams
- Hon. Victor Oguntoyinbo
- Ambassador Debo Adesina
- Joy Bucknor
- Mr. Akindele Babatunde
- Asiwaju Babatunde Ogunsakin
- Comrade Olukayode Akinyele
- Mr. Taiwo Ewegbemi
- Oluwasegun Akinsuroju
- Lekan Francis Akingboye
- Iyanu Akingboye
- Mr. Sola Akingboye
- Mrs. Funke Egbegbe
- Mr. Folabi Duyilemi
- Mr. Emmanuel Ayorinde
- Chief Dele Betiku (Agbeedu of Igodan Lisa)
Sub-Committee Chairpersons
- Security, Protocol and Strategic Coordination: Hon. Osulowo Tibetan
- Media and Publicity: Wande T. Ajayi
- Party Liaison: Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli
- Strategic Invitation and Diaspora Liaison: Ambassador Debo Adesina
- Welfare and Entertainment: Mrs. Funke Pirisola
- Traditional Rites, Family Liaison and Cultural Activities: Mr. Folabi Duyilemi
- Finance and Logistics: Mr. Leye Igbagbo (Chairman), Barr. Gbenga Akinbuli (Co-Chairman)
- Special Duties: Asiwaju Babatunde Ogunsakin
The committee comprises representatives of the Akingboye family, political associates from multiple parties, business associates, friends, traditional institutions and community stakeholders charged with coordinating the burial ceremonies scheduled for September 2026 in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
