An evening of Praise in Remembrance of Late Pa. M.A. and Princess (Mrs.) C.I. Tokunboh.

On the evening of Sunday of 20th December 2015, a number of close family members and friends of the family gathered at the Olatunde Close, Surulere, home of the Tokunboh’s in remembrance of Late Pa. Matthew Ayodele and Princess (Mrs.) Claudia Idugiemwanye Tokunboh (nee Eweka). It was an evening of hymns, Christmas carols and popular choruses backed by an assortment of musical instruments and choristers led by Pianist Bro. Alex Taiwo of MFM.

While welcoming the guests, Mrs. Idowu Tokunboh-Joseph, one of the children of the deceased, expressed her deep appreciation for those who were able to make out time to attend the event out of their very busy schedules. She explained the event was part of the yearly celebration of the birthday of her late Mum who was born on 25^th of December 1921 and passed on since September 29, 2000. It was also an ...
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occasion to remember their faithful departed parents. Mrs. Idowu Tokunboh-Joseph tagged this edition of the event “closing shop” as the family home was being restructured for commercial use in the coming year. 

The home of the Tokunboh’s had always been an open house, a Jerusalem to all – relations, neighbors and friends of the family. In the late 50s and early 60s while she was growing up, Idowu recalled how at some point the house was home to 27 permanent residents living in their five bedrooms home, most of whom were not family members. And every person got a minimum of one meal a day, depending on their days ' schedules.

The event also featured sharing of the scripture from the bible and a brief exhortation by Pastor Charles Archibong and testimonials from childhood neighbors and friends of the family. While paying glowing tributes to the humanitarian and accommodating spirit of the Tokunboh’s, some childhood neighbors including Ms. Funmi Brown confirmed this communal environment they were nurtured as children; where they were free and at home anywhere in the neighborhood and where every parent took interest in the welfare of all children. They remembered how Pa. Tokunboh ensured that every child got something anytime the ice cream van visited the neighborhood.

When it was time to intercede for the Tokunboh family, Pastor Johnson Adegbesan of Owode Region 95 Headquarters said prayers for the nuclear and extended families, taking time to commit the members of family into the hand of God.

Guests were treated to Christmas fruit cake by Iwisi Osunde of Luella and red wine, plus take-away packs of sumptuous food and drinks. While they seized the opportunity to network with old friends and make new ones, they commended members of the Tokunboh family for putting together such a memorable and timeless program in remembrance of their late parents and prayed that that God would continue to guide and protect the family.

The family is particularly grateful to God that since their parents’ passing, God’s mercy and grace has preserved each member of the family and thankfully they are increasing. Glory be to God.