It was a day of heartfelt prayers, touching tributes, and shared grief as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered on Tuesday, October 7, to honor the memory of Olori Funmilola Kazeem, the late wife of Prince Ladi Kazeem, at her 8th Day Fidau prayer in Odo-Egiri, Epe.
Funmilola, who passed away suddenly on September 30, 2025, was remembered as a loving wife, dedicated worker, and cherished member of the royal OBA MD Kassim family of Epe Kingdom. The fidau prayer was led by respected Islamic clerics (ulamas) from the Olowogbowo Mosque, Oke-Balogun, who offered prayers for the repose of her soul.
Despite the solemn atmosphere, glowing tributes poured in from her husband, relatives, friends, and colleagues, painting a portrait of a woman whose life touched many in profound ways.
In a deeply emotional moment, Prince Ladi Kazeem, widower to the late Olori, shared how their love story began with a simple gesture at Epe Club, a bottle of fruit wine that led to friendship, courtship, and eventually marriage within two years.
“We court for a year and we became best of friends and in the second year, she took me to her parents and we got married,” he recalled, visibly moved.
The Prince described his wife as “irreplaceable, caring, loving, compassionate, and endearing,” emphasizing her nurturing spirit and unwavering devotion. “She takes good care of me and doesn’t allow me to leave home without eating. Despite her younger age, she was my playmate, and I don’t think I can find someone like her. Her kind is just rare.”
He also remembered their shared commitment to community and public service, including political efforts under the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC which ushered in President Bola Tinubu. Beyond politics, she was pursuing higher education at Lead City University, preparing to defend her thesis before her untimely death. “Thinking about this, I get sad. It hurts so bad and it’s painful. It’s a dagger in my heart to have lost my better half,” he lamented.
Prince Moyo Kazeem, Provost of Edo State College of Health, described the loss as “heartbreaking” and entirely unexpected. He praised Funmilola’s easygoing nature and respectful relationship with her in-laws.
“She’s easy to get along with, honors and regards her in-laws and actively participates in family events. She didn’t soil the name of the family and maintained a dignifying personality.”
He added, “She made our brother happy and it radiated on him.”
Princess Bola Kazeem highlighted the spiritual weight of the loss, noting that Olori Funmilola died without any prior illness. She said that her demise sognLs the greatness of Almighty Allah.
“This situation made it more painful coupled with her peaceful nature. Throughout her lifetime, I’ve never settled a fight between them. I don’t have any cause to get angry or raise my voice on her.” She added that to their mother, “she was her better half.”
The deceased’s sister, Mrs. Opeyemi Ayoola, revealed the depth of their bond and how much their mother has been affected. “Her demise left our mum distraught, she cries every day.”
She remembered Funmilola’s love for family and commitment to resolving conflicts. “She’s very social and loves her husband. We’re so close, and it’s painful to lose her.”
Engr. (Dr.) Adesola Openibo described Funmilola as “lovely, likable, and god-fearing. They call her Olori Epe at work and she deserves it. Despite her young age, she earned everyone’s respect.” She added with a smile: “If you walk with her within 10 meters, it can take you one hour. That’s how popular she was.”
From the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, where she worked, Mrs. Liadi Fatimah described her as a peace-loving person, known for her dedication and professionalism.
In a symbolic gesture to honor her legacy, copies of the Quran were donated to three mosques in Oke-Balogun, while the Holy Bible was also presented to her church, an act that underscored her harmonious relationship with both faiths.
As the sun set on the Fidau ceremony, one thing was clear: Olori Funmilola Kazeem may be gone, but her warmth, joy, and impact will not be forgotten. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
