Osun ex-deputy governor bids emotional farewell to husband in Ada

By Boye Oyeyemi

The burial of industrialist Prince Michael Ayantunde Ponnle in Ada, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State drew an emotional farewell, with his wife and former Deputy Governor, Grace Titilayo Tomori Ponnle, leading tributes that blended public honour with personal grief.

Prince Ponnle, an engineer and industrialist, co-founded MicCom Cables and Wires Limited in 1974, growing it into Nigeria’s first indigenous cable manufacturing company despite early challenges, while later expanding into hospitality through MicCom Golf Hotels and Resort.

Although the ceremony attracted prominent figures from across the country, it also underscored a deeply personal story of love, resilience and shared purpose between the late businessman and his widow.

Following the death of his first wife in 2012, he remarried Grace Ponnle in 2019, and their union in later life came to symbolise companionship, mutual respect and renewed love despite societal scepticism around late marriages.

Meanwhile, the three-day funeral rites attracted dignitaries including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former Speaker Patricia Etteh, alongside representatives of Governor Ademola Adeleke and other political and traditional leaders.

In his sermon, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, described the late Ponnle as a “Good Samaritan from Ada,” whose life journey reflected vision, humility and service to humanity.

Similarly, tributes from political leaders, including former governor Adebisi Akande, highlighted the deceased’s lasting contributions to economic and educational development, noting that his impact would endure for generations.

Beyond official speeches, however, personal reflections from clerics and associates emphasised the strength of his marriage, with speakers like Rev. Victoria Imolehin, president of Living Praise International Ministries, describing the loss as both intimate and far reaching, amid praising the former deputy governor’s steadfast devotion, noting that her loyalty and grace were pivotal in supporting her husband through defining moments of his life.

As final prayers were said and Ponnle was laid to rest at MicCom House in Ada, the ceremony ultimately stood as a testament not only to a life of achievement but also to an enduring legacy of love and partnership.