Family of late Chief Julius Olafaju Oyebisi, Baale Ilupeju Okeho in Kajola Local Government, Area of Oyo State has announced that his funeral arrangements will kickoff on Wednesday, 10th to Friday, 12th May, 2023.
Mr John Olatundun Oyebisi who is a brother to the deceased made this announcement in a release which he personally signed and made available to news men.
Oyebisi said that, farewell programme for the late Baale would take place at Ilupeju community, Okeho on Wednesday, 10th May.
On Thursday, 11th May, Christian wake-keep would be featured at Baálè’s House in Ilupeju Estate, Okeho, Kajola Local Government.
While burial service will take place on Friday, 12th May at Immanuel Baptist Church, Isia, Okeho and interment will follow immediately at Baale’s House in Ilupeju Estate, Okeho, Kajola Local Government, Oyo State.
He added that, reception of guests and others will be at St. Michael Catholic College, Ilupeju Okeho.
In another vein, Oyebisi lamented over death of his brother and late Baale of Ilupeju Community.
According to him, “here lies the lifeless body of my brother, Chief Julius Olafaju Oyebisi. It is an understatement to say that I have lost someone dear to me. He was my elder brother, my first playmate, my model, my challenger and the one who showed me the way, regardless of whom we eventually became”.
“He came from a royal family of Alasia Egbeji, the first Alasia of Isia. He was a son that any parent would be proud of. From His academic sojourn, family business enterprise, union leader for Kajola Local Government and ultimately, a community leader as Baale of Ilupeju, Chief Julius Oyebisi distinguished himself at all points”.
“From Isia,, he became the first Baale of Ilupeju in 2009, a sprawling community in Okeho. As a union leader in his hale days, he organised the Ilupeju community, which became the delight of the growing elites of Okeho. His adept leadership style made the community enjoys peace, visible expansion and development under his watch. You have really opened up Ilupeju community for further development”.
“Chief Oyebisi was highly courageous and in principle, he was just like the first Adeniji and the second Adeniji. He was generous with his talent, time and treasure. He lived his life for others. He was an ardent ally, the Elder of Isia and Ilupeju and the father to many youngsters who took turns learning at his feet”.
Oyebisi added, “When the going is tough, it is only the tough that can keep on going, even when you were young you were able to keep on going when it was very tough. In the year 1967, a close friend of our father out of envy wanted to implicate our father, he brought India hemp to our father’s shop at Balogun Compound Olele, opposite L. A School, Olele”.
“The man that brought the India hemp met you at the shop that fateful day. The case was taken to court and Baba Emmanuel Oyebisi was discharged and acquitted. In the case, as young as you were, you served as a principal witness in the case and the person that brought the “Igbo” was committed to life imprisonment. The judge that presided over the case commended your courage and wisdom and for you to stand before a large audience”.
“How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle”.
“I am distressed for you, my brother Olafeju, honestly you have been very pleasant to me and other siblings and particularly your love to me was very wonderful surpassing the love of women”.
“Broda, as I fondly called him, was a staunch Baptist, a man of faith and an ardent believer in the efficacy of prayers; a man full of action; a dapper man always neatly dressed and always cheerful”.
“I have been waiting for someone to tell me you have been pretended thus far that you have woken up! I have gone into your room severally hoping to see you again. On that fateful day, February 17, I called you with all my strength, may be you would jerk back to life, but there was no response until you were wheeled into the morgue. That confirmed to me you have joined the ancestors!”.
“You have left big shoes for me within the Oyebisi Adeoye Akinteye family and the Alasia Egbeji clan. Your exit has created a big vacuum in Ilupeju community and Okeho at large. May we all be comforted. We will do everything within our reach to ensure we uphold your legacies. May your memories be blessed!”.
“Thank God you left a mark on the sand of time, may your great soul rest in perfect peace!”, Oyebisi prayed.