Ode-Aye mourned the loss of a cherished gem on 20th March 2026 as Chief Major (Rtd) Christopher Olatubara Ikutiminu (JP), popularly known as Major Kuti, aged 85, was laid to rest in his hometown within the Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Starnews NG reports that the ceremonial burial took place at Saint Anglican Church on Olatubara Avenue, conducted by Rt. Revd. Amb. Olaoluwa Oluseyi Pirisola, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese on the Coast.
In a show of respect, members of the Nigerian Army attended the service to honour Major Kuti’s contributions to both the community and the nation.
In a heartfelt statement, Deji Alli, the General Secretary of the Federation of Ode-Aye Development Associations (FOADA), expressed the profound sense of loss felt by the community. “Major Kuti, as he was known to all, was a leader par excellence, a great motivator, a lover of community service and development, a charismatic leader, and an exemplary patriot,” he remarked.
Throughout his life, Major Kuti played a pivotal role in virtually all community-led projects and achievements in Ode-Aye, whether as the leader or as part of the vanguard orchestrating their successful execution.
He served as the Chairman of the Ode-Aye Development Association (ODA) Lagos for an uninterrupted fourteen years and subsequently led FOADA as its pioneer President for thirteen years.
Under his leadership, several legacy projects were accomplished in Ode-Aye, including the establishment of the Ode-Aye Post Office, the creation of a branch of UBA in Ode-Aye—which later became the UBA Branch in Okitipupa—the founding of Layelu Micro Finance Bank Ltd, and the construction of the ultra-modern Ode-Aye Community Town Hall, the first of its kind in Ikale land.
A testament to his dedication to community advancement, he inaugurated Ikale Bitumen Ltd and secured a Federal Government License to establish Ode-Aye Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd.
“Tragically, he was on the verge of commencing the refinery project when death intervened”, Alli lamented.
It is noteworthy that he named these two legacy projects in honour of his community rather than after himself or family members—a reflection of his selflessness and commitment to community over personal glory. His efforts and sacrifices to secure the necessary approvals for these projects exemplified his dedication to Ode-Aye.
As the sun sets on Major Kuti’s life, Starnews NG reports that the community will forever remember his good works. He was a loving husband to his wives, a caring father to his children, a loyal friend to all who encountered his warmth, and a man who sought to honour God Almighty in all his endeavours.
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