By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Final burial ceremonies of an Egba Abeokuta Christian leader and a Princess of Egba Royal family, Princess WINIFRED IYABODE AJIKE KUFORIJI will hold on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th October 2026.

According to a press release signed by one of the deceased children, Mr Bayo Lasore, Princess Winifred Iyabode Ajike Kuforiji (Nee Sofunde) who died on the first of June, 2026 at the age of 86 was born on 15th March, 1940 to the family of late Chief Samuel Oladipupo Sofunde and Princess Joanah Adekumbi Sofunde from the Gbadebo Okukenu ruling house of Ake Abeokuta.

Mama started her education at Methodist Primary School, Itesi Abeokuta and moved to Methodist Girls School Imo where she obtained her Primary School Leaving Certificate and proceeds to Methodist Secondary Modern School, Asero Abeokuta from 1957-1959 for her Modern School Certificate.

Princess Winifred Iyabode Ajike Kuforiji became a teacher and worked in several schools before she met her heartthrob Late Mr. Stephen Olufemi Kuforiji and got married in 1961, she then moved to Agege Lagos with her husband, had children, until 1966 when she lost her husband and returned to Abeokuta.

Upon her return, she was trained as Medical Health Assistant at the then Abeokuta Local Government. She remarried and God blessed her with children. She started practicing her training as Medical Health Assistant with the Local Government Authority where she served meritoriously for 32 years before her voluntary retirement in 1997.

Mama followed the footsteps of her parents as a dedicated Christian. She served the Lord in various capacities in the house of God.

She was a chorister for several years at the Trinity Methodist Church Itesi. She joined Durotolu Society as a member and later served as Secretary for many years because she was always ready to work in the vineyard of God.

Mama Winifred Iyabode Kuforiji became the Vice President of Methodist Women’s Fellowship Itesi Circuit and also a strong member of Young Women Christian Fellowship.

As a staunch member of Trinity Methodist Church, she became the Iya Egbe Durotolu Society Itesi till she breath her last.

Mama lived a life of service, hardwork, passion and quiet impact. She was a prayer warrior and a complete family woman that looks after everyone.

Her life remains a cherished story of perseverance, honor, generosity and devotion. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Burial activities for princess Winifred Iyabode Kuforiji will commence with a Christian wake on Thursday 29th October, 2026 at the Methodist archbishop compound asero Abeokuta by 4pm.

Lying In state holds on friday 30th October, 2026 at Trinity Methodist Church Itesi Abeokuta by 9am followed by the funeral service at the same venue by 11am.

Interment holds immediately at the Lantoro cemetery while reception and entertainment of guests will be held thereafter at the Peacock hall, Providence Event centre, beside NNPC Mega station, Abeokuta Ogun State.

May the souls and legacies of a great mother , Christian and community leader, Princess Winifred Iyabode Ajike Kuforiji continues to live on . Amen