Family releases burial plans for businesswoman Kemi James

The family of the late businesswoman, Oluwakemi Oyeteju James, has released details of her burial arrangements.

Kemi, as she was fondly called, was the wife of eminent journalist and former Editor of Ovation International Magazine, Michael James, who currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant (Lagos Liaison) to the Akwa Ibom State Governor. She passed away on March 12, 2026, aged 53.

According to a statement issued by James on Sunday, the funeral rites for the mother of two will hold on March 31 and April 1, 2026.

A Service of Songs is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, at the Stella Hall, Daystar Christian Centre, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos, from 4pm to 6pm. The Funeral Service will follow the next day at the same venue between 10am and 11am. Interment will take place afterwards in a strictly private family ceremony.

Born on July 29, 1972, Kemi was the first child of Army Captain Yemisi and Ololade Oyediran. She married Michael James on February 8, 2006, and their union is blessed with two children, Kufreabasi and Anietientebasi.

She began her early education in Shomolu, Lagos, before attending Shepherdhill Girls High School, Obanikoro (1984–1986), and later Federal Government Girls’ College, Oyo (1986–1990). She obtained a diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (1994–1996) and completed her Higher National Diploma at Yaba College of Technology (1997–1999).

Kemi’s professional journey included training roles at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, African Concord Magazine, and Modern Design and Associate. Following her National Youth Service at the Lagos State Printing Corporation in 2000, she worked as a Marketing Executive at Swift Freight International (Nig.) Limited for three years before venturing into private business.

Driven by her passion for cooking, she founded Limelight Caterings Limited, a brand that gradually grew from serving close family and friends to handling major corporate and private engagements. Her emphasis on healthy and organic meals became her trademark, endearing her to many clients.

She is remembered as a dedicated mother, an enterprising professional, and a woman whose work ethic and culinary passion touched many lives.