Family, friends, church members, business associates and well-wishers gathered in Lagos on June 4, 2026, to celebrate the life and legacy of Late Deaconess Christine Wuraola Vera-Cruz (née Odueke), fondly known as “Iya Ciwo”, who passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 91.
The well-attended funeral ceremonies culminated in a grand burial organised by her children, led by businessman and social figure Olajide ‘Jimmy’ Adeleye, who joined siblings and extended family members in paying glowing tributes to a matriarch remembered for her faith, resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to family.
Born on January 15, 1938, into the distinguished Funsegbuna Royal Family of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Deaconess Vera-Cruz was a princess and daughter of Alhaji Bisiritu and Alhaja Raliat Odueke.
She was the second child and first daughter among twelve siblings of the late Oloritun of Ijada in Ijebu-Ode.
Her early years took her from Ibadan to Kaduna, where she acquired an education that helped her become fluent in Hausa, English and Yoruba, qualities that endeared her to people from diverse backgrounds throughout her life.
Her life journey also took her to the United Kingdom, where she worked in a General Practitioner’s surgery before returning to Nigeria in 1974 with her children to begin a new chapter.
Upon her return, she served as a manager at Masco Jaried Stores in Ikeja before venturing into business.
Drawing inspiration from the initials of her names, she established the “CIWO” brand, through which she successfully managed cable supply contracts across Lagos State.
She also founded and operated the popular CIWO Mini Market, which became a familiar name within her community and remained under her supervision until retirement.
The business success earned her the affectionate nickname, “Iya Ciwo”, by which she became widely known.
Beyond her accomplishments in business, family members recalled her as a deeply spiritual woman whose life took a transformative turn when she gave her life to Christ in November 1999.
She later became a devoted member of the Christ Apostolic Church, where she served faithfully as a Deaconess and participated actively in church activities, crusades and fellowship gatherings.
Mourners described her as a joyful and compassionate woman who loved gospel music, Bible study and Christian fellowship. They remembered her grace, generosity, strength and devotion to God, qualities that left a lasting impression on everyone who encountered her.
At the funeral service, tributes poured in from relatives, church leaders and friends who celebrated her enduring impact on generations of family members and members of her community.
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Speakers highlighted her role as a mentor, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose values of hard work, faith and service continue to inspire those she left behind.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and a large extended family.
As the final rites concluded in Lagos, family members expressed gratitude for a life well lived, describing the late Deaconess Christine Wuraola Vera-Cruz as a remarkable woman whose legacy of love, faith and enterprise will continue to resonate for years to come.
Her burial was not only a farewell but also a celebration of a life that touched countless hearts across generations.
See full album below. The event was covered by Iretura.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
