Ada Community Agog As Family, Business Moguls, Politicians Bid Ponnle Farewell

The ancient town of Ada in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State came alive penultimate Saturday as business moguls, politicians, captains of industry and sports enthusiasts, among others, converged on the town to bid a foremost industrialist, Prince Michael Tunde Ponle, farewell.

The late Ponle was the founder of Miccom Wires and cables with headquarters in Lagos and the popular Miccom Golf and Country Club located in Ada, his hometown.

The deceased was also the husband of the former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Grace Titilayo Ponnle who served as the commissioner for Education and Deputy Governor of the state from 2010 to November, 2018

No doubt, the death of Ponle was the end of an era, little wonder why eminent personalities and leaders of thought from different parts of the world converged on the ancient town of Ada to pay their last respect to the late philanthropist, industrialist and business icon who dedicated the better part of his life to the service of God and humanity through his MicCom foundation, a Non Governmental Organization that awards scholarship to all categories of students who are indigents.

The funeral, rich in symbolism and attended by an array of political heavyweights became more than a ceremony. It was a reflection of a life lived at the intersection of enterprise, service and enduring human connection.

For many observers, the story of the late industrialist and the former deputy governor was not just about status or influence. It was about timing as it reflects how two highly accomplished individuals found companionship after seasons of personal trials.

Their union proudly solemnized formally in holy matrimony, years after the passing of Ponnle’s first wife, Mrs Comfort Ponle and accomplished Engineer stood as a testament to the possibility of love in life’s later chapters, often referred to as the “ember years.”

In a society where such unions sometimes attract quiet skepticism, theirs blossomed into a partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared values and unwavering support.

The three-day funeral rites underscored the depth of that shared life. From the solemn arrival of his remains from Lagos to nights filled with hymns, tributes and a golf tournament in his honour, Ada stood still in collective remembrance.

The final service, held at the premises of Ada Commercial Grammar School by the First Baptist Church, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, including the Deputy Governors of Osun and Ondo States, Prince Kola Adewusi and Dr. Olayide Adelami, respectively.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Foluke Etteh.

Members of the National and Osun State  Assemblies, captains of industry, clergy from different denominations and traditional rulers from within and outside Osun State also graced the ceremony.

In his sermon, the Executive President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd Israel Akanji, painted the late Ponnle as a “Good Samaritan from Ada,” tracing his journey from humble beginnings to international recognition, which he attained as an engineer and entrepreneur through hardwork and commitment to duty.

The cleric said the story of the late Ponle was of resilience, generosity and vision, saying that those who had benefited from his quiet philanthropy and far-reaching impact will all live to remember him.

Also speaking, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kolawole Adewusi, noted that the contributions of late Ponnle to the economic and educational development of the state cannot be overemphasized.

A former governor of Osun State, Chief Adebisi Akande, in his speech said Osun State and Nigeria have lost a great personality whose contributions to society is incomparable and will be remembered for a long time.

Yet, amid the grandeur of the ceremony and the parade of dignitaries, it was the personal tributes that revealed the true essence of the moment. Central among them were the words of Rev. Victoria Imolehin, President  of Living Praise International Ministries in the U.S.A and Nigeria whose reflections framed the emotional core of the event.

Rev. Imolehin described the loss as both deeply personal and widely felt, noting that the vacuum left by the late Prince Ponnle extended beyond his immediate family.

She paid glowing tribute to the widow, acknowledging her strength, devotion and the quiet but powerful roles she played throughout her husband’s life, even as she commended the “glorious send forth” organized in his honour as befitting of a man so deeply loved and respected.

According to her, the former Deputy Governor’s commitment to her husband was unwavering, defined by loyalty and grace that sustained him through the transitional  phase of his life.

She portrayed their relationship as one deeply inspiring, built on mutual respect and shared purpose—an enduring model of partnership that transcended public titles and societal expectations, noting that the late Ponle was a man unafraid to publicly express his love and stand firmly by his wife in all circumstances.

In a deeply emotional reflection, Rev. Imolehin urged the widow to take solace in God, who orchestrated their union and blessed them with cherished memories.

She acknowledged the weight of grief, describing it as a natural expression of the depth of their bond, but encouraged her not to be consumed by sorrow, reminding her that her late husband would have wished to see her remain strong and joyful, just as he had always been a source of comfort and support.

She further stressed that life’s journey is governed by divine timing, urging the former deputy governor to draw strength from God and the legacy of honour her husband enjoyed both in life and in death.

Offering prayers for divine comfort, she affirmed that the widow had demonstrated remarkable resilience and capacity to hold her family together, praying that the Holy Spirit would console and strengthen her and the entire family in the days ahead.

Also, Rev. Imolehin reflected on legacy, invoking the life of Jimmy Carter to emphasize that true worth lies not in fleeting public opinion but in tangible impact on humanity.

She noted that just as Carter received great honour at his death as the true extent of his service to humanity was unveiled, so too did the late Ponnle and his wife define themselves by service rather than applause.

Her words carried a deeper, more intimate resonance as she spoke of the former deputy governor’s lifelong influence, long before politics elevated her to prominence.

She recalled how her mentorship and generosity touched lives, including members of her own family, stressing that her legacy was built not merely in office but in consistent acts of kindness and empowerment.

Rev. Imolehin urged the widow to find solace in the life they shared and the enduring imprint her husband left behind. She prayed for divine comfort and strength, affirming that the memories of their love and the impact of his deeds would continue to echo through generations.

In her speech, the current President of St. Catherine’s Old Girls Association, Owo, Ondo State, Princess Tola  Aworh gave thanks to God for what she described as the “beautiful and impactful life” lived by the late Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, noting that the night of praise and tributes stood out as a deeply moving and memorable moment in the funeral rites.

She observed that the calibre of dignitaries in attendance, alongside the heartfelt tributes delivered, served as powerful testimony to his enduring legacy as both a philanthropist and a devoted servant of God.

She further highlighted his deep Christian faith, describing him as a committed Baptist who, nonetheless, extended generous support to other Christian denominations, stating that she personally witnessed testimonies of these attributes during the wake-keep and burial services.

According to her, the widespread outpouring of honour and celebration from diverse groups reflected a life that touched many, offering a compelling lesson on the value of selfless service and genuine humanity.

Consoling the widow, she prayed for divine strength and grace in the years ahead, expressing confidence that God would continue to uphold her.

As the final prayers were said and the remains of the late industrialist were committed to mother’s earth at MicCom House in Ada, what lingered was not just the memory of a successful entrepreneur, but the story of a partnership that defied time, and a woman whose political journey was deeply intertwined with her personal grace.

And perhaps, it was best captured in the closing reflection of Rev. Imolehin, who said legacy is not measured by titles held or accolades received, but by the lives touched, the values upheld, and the quiet, enduring impact of a life well lived.