Oshin Adetu's burial

The Legacy of Seidu Osin Adetu: A Community’s Tribute in Agbawo

On the 13th of November, 1939, at approximately 1:45 p.m., our great-great-grandfather, Seidu Osin Adetu, passed away. His death marked a significant moment for our family and the community in Agbawo, a settlement within Oke Ariko village, under the present-day Sagamu Local Government in Ogun State, Nigeria. Far from being just an end, his passing became a powerful reflection of the unity, respect, and communal spirit he inspired, as demonstrated by the contributions made toward his burial in Agbawo.

In the traditions of the Remo people, particularly in Agbawo, honoring the departed involves the collection of funds known as Owo Iwolefu—money gathered to support burial rites, including the purchase of a cow (eran) for the ceremony. The carefully recorded contributions for Seidu Osin Adetu’s burial, preserved through the years, showcase the generosity of family, friends, and neighbors, as well as the deep ties he cultivated during his lifetime.

Owo Iwolefu: Contributions for the Burial

In Agbawo, a total of 75 individuals and groups contributed to the Owo Iwolefu, raising an impressive sum of Twenty-Seven Pounds, Seven Shillings, and Six Pence. The list of donors reflects the prominence of family members and community figures who came together to ensure a fitting farewell. Among the notable contributions were:

Akeju and his siblings: £1, 10 shillings

The children of Denubi, Moses, Saka, Oyebade Adetu: £1, 10 shillings

Lawani and Yesufu, his sibling: £1, 10 shillings

Juyebo and Saka S. Ola: £1, 10 shillings

Judunonla, child of Akinpelembe: £1, 10 shillings

Abayomi Adetu: £1, 10 shillings

Ambali Adetu: £1, 10 shillings

Smaller yet heartfelt contributions of 5 shillings came from a broad range of individuals, including Omidele, Buraimo (child of Jebajo), Owoyombo (Iya Makun), and many others, such as the children of families like Iya Jegede, Iya Abajiki, and Jutuminu. This extensive list underscores the tight-knit nature of the Agbawo community in Oke Ariko village.

Additional funds, known as Owo Obi, amounted to £6, 6 shillings, further bolstering the burial preparations.

Owo Eran: Contributions for the Cow

Beyond the general burial funds, specific contributions were made in Agbawo toward purchasing a cow for the ceremony, totaling Twelve Pounds and Ten Shillings. This effort was supported by individuals such as:

The children of Adenubi (Moses, Saka, and Oyebade): 10 shillings

Lawani and Yesufu: 10 shillings

Abayomi: 10 shillings

Fuyebo and Saka S. Ola: 10 shillings

Ambali Adetu: 10 shillings

Other contributors included Emmanuel Amusan, Akeju and his siblings, and Awon Omo Sonoiki Araba, each giving 10 shillings, with Lawani Lagbe contributing a notable 15 shillings. These donations ensured that the tradition of providing meat for the burial feast was upheld, reflecting the cultural values cherished in Agbawo.

A Lasting Memory

The passing of Seidu Osin Adetu was more than a moment of mourning; it was a celebration of his life through the collective efforts of the Agbawo community in Oke Ariko village. The detailed records of these contributions, preserved for over eight decades, stand as a testament to the solidarity and respect he inspired. They remind us of the strength of our roots in this specific corner of Sagamu Local Government and the enduring legacy of a man whose influence united people even in his final moments.

As descendants, we honor his memory by recalling not only his life but also the community he helped nurture in Agbawo—a community that, on November 13, 1939, came together to bid him a dignified farewell