The body of Barrister Zainab Abiola Labaran-Lawal, who passed on at the age of 47, was laid to rest amidst tears and weeping.

Being a painful exit of an icon, the funeral service was held at St. James’ the Great Cathedral Cemetery and Playground Ijokodo, Ibadan on Friday, June 7, 2024, with family and friends and massive online attendance.

Speaking at the service, Brother Palmer Clement noted that the solemness of the occasion was due to the depth of the loss to everyone, explaining certain truths on death and why it is a necessity for everyone.

Reading the biography of the deceased whom he described as being good to everyone in addition to her close personal relationship with Jehovah. She was a dedicated baptized servant of Jehovah. Her faith developed since childhood was strong, guiding her actions and providing her with strength and peace.” “She lived her life with a sense of purpose, finding comfort and joy in her connection to Jehovah. Though she is asleep in death, her memories will be in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her".

Her husband, Dr. Babatunde Lawal, in his tribute described his late wife as the “kindest, most charming and generous human being that he ever met.

In his words "You put me first in everything you did. You were my spouse, friend, confidant, support, motivator, my strength. To my brothers and I, you were the sister that we never had. You encouraged me in everything that I did. I remember how well you took care of me during my two major illnesses.”

Describing their romance as love at first sight nearly 17 years ago, he said “for me, it will be a lonely journey through the rest of my life. Rest assured that Tamilore will grow to become the fine lady you envisaged.”

Speaking to CEOAFRICA, the daughter of the deceased, Tamilore Ayoola described her mother as not only a parent but her best friend with whom she talks about anything and everything. She stated that she missed everything about her, even to the simplest of things.

“She encouraged me everyday and taught me never to give up because she wanted me to become a better version of her. I love you till eternity and I think of you everyday. I promise to accomplish everything we planned and more to make you really proud,”.

Mrs Folashade Aderbigbe an aunt of the deceased told CEOAFRICA that the loss was that of an angel with many memories that would be missed. She burst into tears before she could complete the interview.

In her written tribute, Prof. Aina Adeogun said, “I don’t understand this, but God does. My dear Zee baby, it is not goodbye, it is goodnight. I will definitely see you at the feet of the Lord.”

Miss Yosola Amole, a niece to Barrister Abiola, described her as a second mother and a very nice person who always had a smile. She further said that she would miss everything about her late aunt who always paid visits and treated her like a daughter.

One of the secondary school mates of the deceased, Zumfat Nurudeen Bisiyiru told CEOAFRICA that Abiola was a warm person whom she defied all odds for to attend her grandmother’s burial in Ibadan.

According to Mrs Bisiriyu, “I love her for everything. There is nothing we can do on this earth than good. To me, Biola has done a lot, and I really appreciate the way I met her, that is why l came to give her the last respect. I should be at the mosque, but I came to pay my last respect.”

Speaking later to CEOAFRICA, Brother Palmer Clement disclosed that Zainab Abiola Labaran-Lawal was his junior colleague at the University of Ibadan and stressed that she was a very humble person and generous to everybody. “That is her trademark. It is a memory that will live on,” he added.

Barrister Abiola Labaran-Lawal earned a Law degree at the University of Ibadan in 2002, attended Nigerian Law School between 2005 and 2006. She worked at Intercontinental Registrars Ltd in 2007, she obtained her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar and become an associate of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars. Her enduring passion for fashion design made her the founder and creative force behind “Moda Labarani”, established in her name. She will forever be cherished by her husband, loving mother, Mrs Ruth Amole Body, her daughter, brother, friends and family.