- Bobakeye of Odo Noforija praised Princess Susana as loving, caring, peaceful, and a unifier.
- Governor Sanwo-Olu, Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu, and Babatunde Raji Fashola paid glowing tributes.
- Funeral drew dignitaries, traditional chiefs, clergy, and indigenes from across Lagos State and beyond.
The Ogunlaja Royal Family of Odo Noforija Kingdom, Epe Division of Lagos State, on Friday, laid to rest Princess Susana Ayodele Shafau Ogunlaja, sister of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, JP, FNBE, Kalejaiya II, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo Noforija Kingdom. She passed away on July 12, 2025, at the age of 86.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the funeral began with a solemn service at The First African Church Mission, St. David Parish, Odo Noforija, where clergy and parishioners offered prayers for the repose of her soul.
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The service reflected her lifelong devotion to God, her family, and her community. Following the church service, she was interred at the royal family compound, where family members, friends, and dignitaries paid their last respects.
In his tribute, the Bobakeye of Odo Noforija Kingdom, Chief Dipeolu, urged the Ogunlaja family to sustain the good works of the late Princess.
He described her as a loving and caring woman whose presence brought comfort, peace, and unity to everyone around her.
“Mama lived a life of humility, faith, and service. She was loving, caring, peaceful, and always brought everyone together.
It was safe to be around her, and I call on the family and the community to continue to build on the good legacy she has left behind,” he said.
Her children and siblings also delivered emotional testimonies. Speaking on behalf of the children, Princess Tosin described her late mother as “a rare gift to us and to everyone around her.
She instilled values of love, discipline, and compassion that will continue to guide us. Her absence leaves a vacuum, but her legacy remains a light for us all.”
Condolence messages poured in from across Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Princess Shafau as “a devout Christian, a committed community leader, and a dignified royal daughter whose humility and service remain an inspiration to Lagos State.”
The Baba-Oba of Noforija Kingdom, Sir Dr. Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, OON, CON, CFR, hailed her as “a royal matriarch, a trusted counselor, and a quiet architect of peace and unity.”
Similarly, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, praised her as “a woman of quiet strength, faith, and motherly devotion who stood firmly behind her son, the Aladeshonyin, as he took up the revered mantle of leadership.”
The burial ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, clergy, community leaders, and indigenes from near and far, reflecting the respect and admiration Princess Susana commanded.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings, including His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja.
