On Friday, 17th January, 2020, the funeral service for Madam Grace Adedoyin Ajike Babalola was held at the Abundant Life Baptist Church, Omitoro, Off Ijede Road, Ikorodu, Lagos.
Madam Grace Adedoyin Ajike Babalola was born in Kano on 18th October, 1924. Her parents were the late Pa John and Evang. Adetutu Dada. Pa John’s father was Pa Makinde Dada, a prominent warrior during the Yoruba ethnic Kiriji civil war of 1877-1893; while Madam Evang. Adetutu’s parents were Pa Fagbamigbe and Madam Fagade.
Mama Grace Babalola had her primary education in Kano, which was truncated by her
father’s decision in 1935 to relocate to Igbajo, present-day Osun State to take care of his aged mother and to build a family house for his mother and siblings. That decision was probably triggered by the tragic loss of his eldest daughter Dorcas, in 1935, just before she was due to be married. Mama’s other siblings at that time were Alice (Wuraola), Juliana (Adebisi), Abigail (Omoyeni) and Taiwo (Okanlawon).
Upon Pa John’s untimely death, Mama Grace was dedicated to her widowed mother (Evang. Adetutu Dada) who later married Pa Ajakaiye, a younger brother of her deceased husband retain her children’s family identity and inheritance as was the tradition then.
After her mother left her stepfather and moved to Jos, Mama Grace Babalola was her mother’s joy as she helped her mother with household chores and looking after her younger siblings who were in school in Jos. Mama Grace spoke Hausa, Fulfulde, Igbo, Yoruba and English.
It was in Jos that Mama Grace met and married the late Pa Caxton Martins in 1943. The marriage was blessed with two sons, Shina, born in 1944 and Segun in 1946. The new couple lived in Jos for a while and later moved to Lagos. After the demise of Mr. Martins, she married Mr. Abraham Adepoju Babalola in 1952 and had four boys, Jimi, Dipo, Toyin and Femi. While residing at Ebute-Metta in Lagos, she was a Sunday School Teacher in the children department at Ijero Baptist church. She was also engaged in food business and sold food fully dressed in uniform at Ijero Baptist Primary School at Ebute Metta. Later, when Mr. Babalola moved to his property at a new developing site at Aguda-Surulere, she also migrated with her business and sold food at the construction site to workers in the area.
Her strength of character glaringly came out when she returned home to Jos in 1974 and diligently and lovingly took care of her ailing mother for several years before her passing away in 1980. To her younger siblings, Juliana, Abigail, Taiwo, Enilo and Adedapo, she was particularly loving and caring!
After her mother’s demise, she moved to Kaduna where she had a grocery store which she combined with humanitarian activities that she had imbibed from her mother. Mama Grace passed away in Lagos on the 2nd of September, 2019 after a protracted illness. She was a loving, caring, gentle, God-fearing and devoted Christian.
PROFESSOR DEBORAH AJAKAIYE
How does one quantify the worth of a loving, kind, precious, God-fearing and caring sister?
It is with sadness in my heart but with joy and thankfulness to God that I write these few lines.
My sister was a very hardworking woman, gentle disciplinarian, compassionate, generous, lived a peaceful life and had an exceptional tolerance of behaviour worthy of emulation. As I grew older, I slowly understood where she was coming from. She always admonished us, “give unto others even more than what you consider God has given to you”.
My darling sister was the second eldest of my four sisters, but somehow by God’s grace was the last to leave this mortal earth and cross over to eternity. Losing a loved one, such as a very close relative, is one of the most excruciating experiences in life. To say I will miss her is an understatement as experienced in the last few years when her health was failing. The Psalmist reminded us of praying to God to teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90 vs 12).
It is so hard to admit the fact that you, my dearest sister, has gone forever. I still have those memorable pictures stuck in my mind. You are like beautiful paintings in our hearts. You mean a lot to me and all of us you left behind. You loved and selflessly cared for all those around you, always smiling with a forgiving spirit.
You really amazed me when, after the loss of your husband, you abandoned everything and relocated from Lagos to Jos to dedicatedly take care of our aged mother so impressively. You are, indeed, a special gem.
PROFESSOR CORNELIUS ADEDAPO KOGBE
My dear Sister,
It is with gratitude to God for this priceless opportunity to write a brief tribute in your honour. I was born into your hands and you nourished me with love all your life. I recollect your patience and care for me, your youngest brother, whenever I visited your canteen at the Jos Township Market. I diverted your attention from your customers as I demanded a taste of fried yam and plantain which you always supplied generously. Your neighbours in the market celebrated my visits, reminding you that your little husband was around. I can still see the joy on your countenance as I was always welcomed in your presence and was always assured of what I cherished most in life-love.
However, God rewarded you also for the loving care you showed our mother, Adetutu, as your son, Jimi, did not abandon you in your old age, but cared for you until his own untimely death a few weeks before your own demise.
I have never and will never stop appreciating the role you played in my life particularly during my childhood. “Mama Kawo”, you definitely mean so much to me and I will always cherish your memory. I am very happy that your travails in this world are now over. You have fought a good fight and won.
Professor Cornelius Adedapo KOGBE
Your Aburo
CHRISTINA BUNMI ONIPEDE
It is with a deep sense of sorrow and yet with gratitude to God for a life well spent. She was one who was zealous for God. How can I describe your love, care, and concern for others? You touched many in diverse ways. Gentle and easy-going, we miss you so much, but God needs you most. Mama rest in perfect peace blessed beloved of God (Yeye Lerebi).
MRS VICTORIA BANKE ADELEKE
Mama, you were a rare gem. Beautifully and fearfully made, God satisfied you with long life and good health despite the extreme challenges of life. You left quietly to the great beyond in good old age. We will miss your quiet disposition and attitude of speaking the truth even when it hurts. We will also miss your regular calls asking to know everyone’s welfare.
Adieu Mama Kawo.
ENG. OLADIPO BABALOLA
Although death is a reality of our existence, a necessary end, which will come when it will come, Mama you have, indeed, fought the good fight and finished the race. You kept the faith. Your outstanding love for God, for the family and those around you will always remain a challenge to the countless people whose lives you positively impacted in unique ways. Mama you have been called home by your maker and piloted to rest. Among the most important and enduring legacies, you left behind are your love and caring attitude. May these memories bring comfort and directions to all those you left behind, and the memories of the time we spent together will forever live with me. Mama you are irreplaceable, and I will forever miss you dearly.
SLEEP ON MAMA. REST IN PEACE, GBOLAHAN OLUTOYIN BABALOLA
My dear mother, it is sad that you are no longer with us, but I have no reservation in my mind that you are resting with our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.
Mama, you will be remembered for your prayers, the love you had for your children and your siblings alike, some of which was evidenced by mistakenly calling me by the name of your brother, Dapo (Prof Kogbe), each time I was with you; I will always remember all the struggles and the selfless sacrifices you went through in bringing us up, your life experiences, and how you taught us to be kind to those in need, your stories on how you stood by your mother to support the family and the rough/hard terrains you explored as a regional trader across the length and breadth of the country, all of which contributed to your strength and your caring character. I will always cherish them.
OLUFEMI BABALOLA
Mama, my sweet mother, it is still like a dream that you left us to be with our Lord, Jesus.
You truly exemplified the meaning of your name. You lived a life of grace and everyone who knew you can attest to that. Last time I spoke with you on the phone, I thought I would be opportune to meet you when I visit Nigeria again. I remember you singing “Ore Bi Jesu ko si laiye yi”. You instilled in me the importance of having a relationship with God. I remember your daily practice of waking up at 3am to commune with God. You were steadfast and loved God wholeheartedly. When it was time for church, you would make sure that you brought me along. Your dedication to God and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ has left a big impact on me. Your strength of character and your courage to overcome challenges ensuring that your children and your marriage are successful is very glaring. Your sacrifice for us was made evident from your obedience to Christ and the love you had for the family. Not only did you made an impact in the service of God and your family, you equally made impact everywhere you went and so you became well known as Mama Jos, Mama Kawo and Mama Aguda.
One thing I wish is to have more opportunity to take care of you, because you deserve it. Since I don’t have that opportunity anymore, I want to say I enjoyed every moment we shared together. Your devotion to God is what I will emulate and hold on to as your legacy. Mama, my sweet mother, I love you, but our God loves you more. You fought a good fight and have finished your race. You kept the faith and it is now your time to sing and rest in the bosom of your Lord until we meet again. Goodnight Mum.
OLUWATOYIN BABALOLA
Mama, I am writing these few words out of much I needed to say about you.
I give God the glory for answered prayers when I was asking Him to bring me my part, a man who has great reverence for God Almighty who happens to be from your loins. Mama, from the first time you set your eyes on me, you accepted me with open arms, your heart so sincere, and your unending prayers and admonitions. I admire your strength, simplicity, peaceful and disciplinary life. You related with me just as you did with your biological children.
I will forever cherish the exceptional love you showered on me, which you exhibited with gifts. I am blessed and fulfilled to have you as my mother in-love. A woman of prayer, always singing to God from morning till night. Your lips were given to praise your maker. You always wanted to be at the fore front in evangelism.
Mama, you gave your life to everyone in the extended family, inculcated in us love, respect and reverence to God Almighty which they all embrace and appreciate. I know we will meet in heaven, but how I really thought I would see you before you departed. God does as He pleases. Death is what we owe this earth, but the joy of it is that you lived your life for Jesus Christ.
Mama, you will always be remembered and not forgotten. Rest on in the bosom of your God
YOMI OLU ADEPOJU
Tribute to our mother, Grace Babalola. Mama used the special grace that God gave her in caring and loving others around her. May God help us to also imbibe this good attitude in Jesus name.
MERCY BABALOLA
Grandma Ikorodu. The name I would always call you. Even though, I was around you during the early moments of my childhood, I still remember precious moments with you. I remember you staying in my room whenever you came over to our house. I remember lying down next to you in the family house. I remember the moments when I sat on your laps while my older cousins went to play outside. I remember when you would pray for me on phone. You always asked about my schooling in America and just the love and embrace I got whenever I was in your presence or hearing your voice when I could was peaceful. You were the grandma who was welcoming and loving. When I heard you had got ill, I prayed and cried to God like I had never done before. I prayed to God to sustain you a little longer in hopes of returning to Nigeria to visit you again in the family house. I will never forget you calling my name. The days we went to church together. I love you Grandma. I think about you all the time and will always admire you. I know you are in heaven and finally at rest. I see you leaving for a bigger purpose – pushing me to become a better Christian so that I’ll meet you in heaven.
Love from your granddaughter,
Mercy
GOODNESS BABALOLA
I heard stories about you from my dad, mom and sister. I was able to talk to you on phone. You sang and prayed for me. I thought I would see you when I go to Nigeria. I love you Grandma.
FOLA BABALOLA
Mama Jos as I lovely like calling my loving mother-in-law. Mama was a peaceful woman, strong woman of faith and prayerful, who loved all her children and siblings alike. Mama likes singing Christian hymns very much. Most of the time, she told me that singing Christian hymns is like praying to God and going by her life experience, most like battles could just be won by singing just Christian hymns. This is a message I keep to my mind and wish I will never forget, I will also remember Mama as a loving and caring Mum. I pray to God Almighty to grant her eternal peace. Rest on at the bosom of your creator.
