FAMILY AND FRIENDS BID LATE ROTARY PRESIDENT,PRINCE JOHN OLATUNDE ATOBATELE 'GOODNIGHT' IN IBADAN,OYO STATE AND ILESA OSUN STATE.

Story & photos by Niyi Tabiti
Chief Reporter


The remains of Late Prince John Olatunde Atobatele has been committed to mother earth.He was buried in Ilesa, Osun State on Saturday 11 July 2008.He was aged 61
Family members and friends came from different parts of the world to give the late pharmacist and socialite a befitting burial.
Foluso Atobatele, his only son was ably supported by his sisters, which included, Bukola (Now Mrs.Ashaolu), a Chartered Accountant,Olubunmi (now Mrs Akinmade) a University of Ibadan trained medical doctor,Feyisara (now Mrs. Ogunfowokan) , formerly of African Independent Television (now based in Republic of Ireland),Omobolanle and Oluwatosin.
The service of songs took place on Friday 10 July 2008 at the residence of the Atobateles in New Bodija GRA,Ibadan.The following day, there was a funeral service at Methodist Church of Nigeria Cathedral of Light,Agodi,Ibadan,Oyo State.Thereafter, family members and friends took off to Ilesa, Osun State where the remains of Atobs was buried.The people later returned to Ibadan for entertainment.
The late Atobatele hails from the Ijebu Ijesha Ruling House.He attended the prestigious Ilesa Grammar School and later graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife,Osun State,South West, Nigeria) in 1971.He did his internship at Apapa Health Centre, Lagos.He later joined Nigerian Hoescht Phamarceuticals in 1983 and rose to the position of National Sales Manager before he retired to start his own company, Johnat Nigeria Limited. The late Atobs, as he was fondly called by friends was a member of Obokun Social Club and also a past President of Rotary Club of Eleyele (District 9130),Ibadan.
Atobatele was also an active member of Ifedapo Society and Wesley Movement. He married the love of his life, Christiana Olufunmilayo (nee Ogundare) in 1974.
In her tribute, Oluwatosin the last daughter of the deceased said she found it hard to believe that her father had left the world just like that.Olubukola, the first daughter said the death came as a rude shock but she had the assurance that he fatrher his resting in the bossom of the Lord.Ade Atobatele, a nephew of Late Atobale described him as someone who was always willing to help people.He said he would miss him greatly.

Photos 1 and 2-A cross section of the late Atobatele children at the Church service in Ibadan.
Photo 3-From Left, A guest,Mrs.Olubukola Ashaolu,Dr.Olubunmi Akinmade and Mrs Feyisara Ogufowokan, children of the late Prince Olatunde Atobatele at Ilesa, Osun State.
Photo 4-Feyi Atobatele performing the dust to dust for her late father
Foluso Atobatele, the only son of the deceased also performing the dust to dust rite for his late father.