It is no longer news that Lagos society woman, Olori Victoria Maria Modupe Sule (nee Okoh) has passed on to greater glory. She died at 81 and on Friday, 15th October 2021 her funeral service took place at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Off Admiralty Way, in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. It was a funeral mass in honour of this great woman who was married to Kabiyesi Oba Shafi Sule, the Oro of Odosenlu Alaro, Ijebu, now of blessed memory.
Let’s tell you more.
Olori Victoria Maria Modupe Sule was born on the 20th of March 1940 into the family of the Late Chief Augustus Okoh and the Late Madam Doris Okoh, both from Agbor. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Lagos and then Holy Child College, Ikoyi, later finishing up at the New Era Secondary School, Yaba in Lagos.
After her secondary education, she left the shores of Nigeria to the United Kingdom where she embarked on Secretarial Studies. In the year 1963, she gave birth to her 1st son Kofi, afterwards she settled back in Lagos in 1965 and got employed by the then Premier of Mid Western Region as a PA and Secretary. She later resigned in 1967 and had her 2nd son Victor, of blessed memory.
Olori Vicky was very business-oriented and got engaged in general contracting. She stood like a colossus towering above friends and contemporaries. She literally excelled in all roles assigned to her. Her beauty and charm were captivating, and her concern for others was legendary. In 1977, she gave birth to Mariam, her only daughter also of blessed memory. Olori Sule was Patroness of many clubs and societies, including “Mgbe onye jen ugbo yawu otutua”. She was a strong supporter and advocate for many worthy causes. She also contributed enormously in erecting and providing amenities to the CHILD & MOTHER WARD at the Agbor General Hospital. She was a great motivator to the womenfolk. She was also a Patroness of the Global Ladies social club in Lagos.
An epitome of beauty and elegance, Olori was greatly admired by friends and colleagues. She was also a great lover of classical and gospel music. She had a real passion for her family, friends and the needy in society. As mere mortals, we sometimes don’t understand why our loved ones die, but God knows best. She was a staunch member of the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Lekki, after spending all her early and mid-lives at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. She constantly supported the Catholic Women Organization. Socially, in her youth, she was also a constant at the Island and Yoruba Tennis Clubs along with her friend, Mrs. Telema Obi. Olori was married to Kabiyesi Oba Shafi Sule, the Olo of Odosenlu Alaro, Ijebu, now of blessed memory.
A kind soul and a beautiful heart is gone back to her Creator for life eternal. May your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace with your maker, until the day of resurrection.
Farewell MOTHER
Your Son – Kofi
TRIBUTES TO MY LATE MOTHER
To the world you were one person, but to me you were the world, You didnt have much, but life always felt like we had everything. You didn’t leave millions in your bank account, but you left a legacy worth much more.
You taught me love, patience and endurance. ‘You taught me how to pray and led by example. You praised me whenever I did good and pointed out my mistakes with that gentle voice. Although sometimes with aggression, I think about you every day. I remember seeing you all broken and sad when Mariam passed away eight years ago yet you fought through. When Victor gave up the ghost four years ago, you told me Kofi Didi, as you a[ways call. me, it is painful and sad but God knows best.
I was devastated when you fell ill. You fought hard to survive and defeat death but you had no strength to fight anymore. In a matter of days, the smile on your face disappeared and was replaced by gloom.
The cruel hand of death. had snatched you away from us. When you left this world on that fateful day, I not only lost my mother. I lost my friend, my ally, my supporter, my advisor, my light at the end of the tunnel. When my days always seemed dark. I turned to you, I had no one else but you. Your selfless acts of kindness, your intuitive advice, your love for family. What a loving being you are. I grapple with the Lord in His decision to take you. How could this have happened when I promised to care for you and did? I remember when I had. to fly between Nigeria and Ghana every month just to be sure you are okay.
I held up my end of the bargain. Bu: it seems like I was bargaining only with myself because God took you despite my desperate plea. Perhaps one day, I will understand. .. for my sanity and my own life, I hope that day comes sooner than later. Until we meet again…
I love you with every single part of my being … you were and always will be, the gold standard. May your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace with your maker.
Damirifa Due Maame!!!
Your Son, Kofi
GOODNIGHT MY DEAREST SISTER
You stood like a colossus, towering above everyone else in stature and sibling hierarchy. You were both a sister and mother to many of us in the family. And you played your roles with authority. You were truly an amazing Amazon.
Your beauty was captivating and your concern for others was legendary. Your sense of style was impeccable and you carried yourself with so much grace, an air of royalty and firm authority. A princess by birth and
Queen by marriage. What a wonderful combination!
There are so many things I could say about my sister, but sadly she wouldn’t hear nor read them. She has transited to eternity.
All I can say now is that you will be missed. May God comfort the family.
Your Brother, ALEXANDER
It was a rude shock when I learnt about your illness back then. It took me a while to accept it, knowing you to be a very bright and gay person, always elegantly dressed, and well turned out. Looking back at when we started as friends makes me appreciate you the more.
Our friendship spanned many decades, all praise to the Almighty God. To write about you in a few words is virtually impossible. I would need be to author a book to do so effectively. You fight your battles gallantly, and now you are at rest. I pray that the good Lord accepts your soul unconditionally. Oh! Vicky, you were a good friend. I’m sure you know that I will continue to be there for Koffi. The Lord will strengthen him.
Sun re o ore mi atata. I love you, but God loves you more.
ABAH FOLAWIYO
YOU FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, YOU FINISHED THE COURSE…
As mere mortals, we sometimes do not understand why a loved one has to die. Death indeed happens in life, not to life, so amidst our sorrow, we give thanks to God for your life, we also thank you for sharing your life with Kabiyesi, the late Oba Shafi Sule, our dear Patriarch until death did you part.
You fought a good fight, you finished the course, may the angels go before you and may the Almighty have you in his keepsake always Res in perfect peace Olori Vicky and may the souls of all our dearly departed also res in perfect peace, Amen.
Sun re ooo
The Sule Family
TRIBUTES TO OLORI VICTORIA SULE, MY AUNTIE VICKY ALICE IN WONDERLAND… SLEEP WELL!
My early encounter with Auntie Vicky was in my Primary School years at St. Matthias Catholic School, Lafiaji in the early 50s, while she was then in a Secondary School in Yaba but living with the family at the Olowogbowo Area of Lagos State.
She was a Paragon of Beauty, generous to a fault and very fashion-conscious even at that tender age. Neighbours often projected her as a Beauty Queen in the making. She was soon whisked off to the UK by her father for further studies and returned years after to continue her journey through life.
She finally settled into the Hospitality Business after a long period at the Lagos State High Court. Unexpectedly, she went through life’s vicissitudes in Business, Marriage and Family Relationships, leading to Depression and Poor Health.
The Lord has finally called her home to rest and I pray that her soul reposes peacefully in the bosom of the Lord…Amen.
Adieu Aunty Vicky
We love you, but God loves you most!
Sir Steve Omojafor, OON
TRIBUTE TO OUR BIG MUMMY
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our big mummy. We pray that you are in a better place right now. You have held our family together earlier than the time we all could remember.
Even though you have left us, your presence is still here with us. Your memories will guide us through our lives. The angels in heaven would know a queen has arrived…it’s always going to be a celebration of life.
Diane Okoh
Tribute to A queen with a heart of gold
Sister Vicky (Big Mummy to her nieces) was a warm and accommodating soul and I was always welcome in her home. In fact, I cannot think of major life events, without her being a part of them.
My kids looked forward to lively Christmases, at Big Mummy’s home, in Victoria Island. She was present at my daughter’s wedding, in England. She was there for my family, in various capacities, over the years.
A blessing was what Sister Vicky was to everyone around her, and her memory will remain forever in my heart. It is enough: earth’s struggle soon shall cease, and Jesus call us to Heaven’s perfect peace. Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr.
E sun re o!
Florence Okoh And Family
TRIBUTE TO A PHILANTHROPIST
Dear Vicky, continue to rest in perfect peace in the Bossom of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May God forgive all your sins. Amen.
Vicky, I thank you for our decades of good friendship and your kind and generous soul. On behalf of the Mercy Eneli group, I wish you Eternal Rest.
Arc. Dada Marquis
YOU WILL FOREVER BE LOVED AND REMEMBERED
Mama Victor, years and time will pass away, but your loving memory will always stay with me. It’s sad to think that you are no more. Nothing no one will banish from the thought moments that we shared together.
I know for a fact that I will never forget you and how much you have impacted my life. I wish I could hold your hand to tell you how much I love you. You will forever be loved and remembered. Rest in peace Mama Victor.
From The Falope
OLORI VICKY SULE WAS A STRONG SUPPORTER OF CWO
I got to know her in the 80s at the Holy Cross Cathedral and she took me under her wings!
When she started worshipping at Divine Mercy, due to old age, she couldn’t go through the stress of going to the Cathedral every Sunday from Lekki. I encouraged her to support our CWO & she never refused!
She was generous in her giving! And she was Mother of the Yoruba dance along with Mrs. Tinuade Fowler in our very first outing under emeritus Telema Obi…!
A beautiful soul, A beautiful heart, Gone to her deserved rest! When her immediate younger sister, Aunty Grace Okorodudu informed me of her passing, I took a minute! I knew she was sick! Yorubas say ‘ma pe l’aye, oju mi o ni ribi, ikan lo ma mu’ I was with her about 8 years or so ago when her only daughter passed. She was inconsolable! She then put herself together. She gave away every single thing in her daughter’s London apartment to charity! That’s her generous heart! She went to Lourdes every year on a pilgrimage she used to share with her daughter!
Then her son passed?
And I wondered, how much more can she take? Then her husband passed! Through it all, she would call & I would go to her. We would talk for hours, her recurring theme, ‘God knows best’ I always tease her about her great beauty! And she would smile and say hmmm…I had my days’
Adieu Olori, until we meet to part no more…
I will miss you!!
Rest in pace.
Yeye Augustina Seriki
MY DARLING SISTA, VICKY
What a blessing & privilege it was to have you as a part of our family. How I idolized you as a child cause you were so beautiful, warm and loving towards me especially. You gave me so much attention and I always looked forward to your visits to ours. I was so privileged to have you as my very special aunt that meant so much to me. My growing up years with you around was awesome, as you were always very supportive, hence I saw you as my big sista and not my aunt.
It’s hard to put into words how I feel about your passing. I couldn’t bear to see you in pain, so I refrained from paying you more visits, as I also wanted to keep in my memory your pretty face. It was heart-wrenching to see you in so many pains and in dementia. The reality of your passing is now dawning on me, sista. I know you’re in a better place now, watching us all and smiling. Your love for Christ and Our Blessed Mother Mary cannot be overemphasized. You liked listening to music most especially Latin Masses.
Your visits to us in Rome was always exciting. You’d attend Masses with your Aunty (My mum), and made sure to stop bye at “Macky”-Macky” to bring some packet food home for everyone. Those memories will remain indelible. The natural emotions of loss and nostalgia are all over me, but there’s something else. A strange sense of frustration as I try to bring to mind your facial expressions, sweet voice, smiles, and most of all your personality.
Now when I’m sad or frustrated, I don’t have Sista and I couldn’t be there to bid you the final goodbye. My joy is that you’re finally at peace with the Lord. I could go on and on, but I have to stop here.
For me, you were a rare gem, and will forever be cherished. You are greatly missed. Adieu, my darling Sista ‘Vicky. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord Amen.
From Auntie Toyin
TRIBUTE TO LATE OLORI VICKY SULE: MATRON, GLOBAL LADIES SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA
‘What a Life well spent!!! You lived an honourable life worthy of emulation by all. I have multiple words to describe our late ‘Matron, Olori Vicky Sule. She was a devoted, caring, kind, affectionate and loving MATRON.
Olori ‘Vicky has been and will remain a beacon of light for the Club, Time, they say, heals all wounds but your death has left a Scar which even time could never take aunty. I thank God for the years you spent with us and pray that he grants you the best place in Heaven where external peace reigns. Amen
Princess Chris Adoga
President
For: Global Ladies Social Club
TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM
Ooh death where is thy sting? The death of our patroness came on a rude shock to members of our great club, “mgbe oniye tea ugbo yawu otutua”. Olori Vicky Maria Modupe Sule (Nee Okoh) who has been our patron for more than 30 years was a rare gem. A lady with a heart of Gold, an advent Christian and a philanthropist and a lover of humanity.
She was strong support to our club when we built a CHILD & MOTHER unit at Agbor General Hospital, Delta State. She was a great motivator, especially to the womenfolk. Olori was a woman of substance and an epitome of beauty and elegance. “Nneyin” as we fondly call her, you will be greatly missed. We love you but God loves you more. May your gentle and kind soul rest in perfect peace.
Adieu Nneyin.
Amaechi Okoh (Foster Son)
NEVER WILL I EVER FORGET YOU, KAKA
I’ll never forget you Kaka, you were the best, I remember the day before you fell sick, you called me and Michael to your room, you were so full of energy and you looked so happy it’s hard to believe the next day you were in the hospital, I’m still processing it but I hope your gentle soul rests in peace. Amen.
Victor’s Children
EVER CARING AND ALWAYS LOVING
She gave us a safe space to play and be taken care of, her smile, laughter and prayers being the best parts of the morning spent together, memories we will forever hold dear.
–From her Godson and Nephew Orobosa and brothers.
TRIBUTE BY GRANDCHILDREN FROM GHANA
If we live, we live for the Lord and if we die, we die for the Lord, whether we live or die we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8.
Grandma! Grandma!! Grandma!!! We are here oo your twins back home from Ghana ooo Grandma we are calling you but getting no response ooo death!
“Our Grandma is no more”
Grandma, as we affectionately called her, was a very dear one to us. As our mother always tell us, you came to Ghana to see us 3 days before we were outdoors to the family as Ghanaians always do for newborn babies. Our grandma used to visit us in Ghana and spent days with us. We come to her hotel and slept with her on the same bed, dined together breakfast, lunch, and supper.
We also visited her on occasions like Xmas and Easter latter also was the month of her birthdays with all the family together, we always attended Mass with her at her church Divine Mercies Roman Catholic at Lekki, we sometimes spent the weekend with her at Ijebu, Ogun State. Her phone calls to check on us when we go back to Ghana was regularly we called her often when we miss her.
During our visit to Lagos where she made sure the house was full of assorted drinks stubs variety of foods both local and continental. After taking our breakfast the whole day she would tell us to be obedient to our parents and fear God. She always sent us presents on our birthday. When we were returning from Lagos to Ghana too our shopping was done by her to take home.
Our last visit to her was very memorable. We were preparing to visit you last year when the Covid-19 pandemic came out and we couldn’t but only called to check on you. The news of your demise came as a blow on that fateful Sunday. Hmmm, Dear Grandma, we love you, we hope and pray that as you walked upright in life, you have entered into peace and that you have found your rest in the bosom of the Lord.
We wish you God’s blessings! We will forever treasure and love you!
Fare thee well Grandma
From the Kofis
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