What Her Children & Grand Children Will Miss About Her
Most Snr. Special Mother-in-Israel, Ibironke Theresa Ajkanke Dawodu-Afoke JP died a few months ago at 98. She was buried last week in Lagos. Her rite of passage began on Thursday 27th April, 2023 with the Wake Keep/Service of Songs in Idimu, the next day, Friday 28th April, 2023, was the Lying-in-state/Funeral Services at the same venue in Idimu. Interment followed and reception was at Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja. It was a calssy and befitting burial that Mama got from her children and family.
What sort of a person was Mama.? Below her children revealed all the various sides of Mama. It was a celebration of the good life she lived.
See their tributes below. Mama was born in 1925 at Ebute Metta, Lagos. She was bom into a Muslim family of Asani Afoke of No. 60, Cementery Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Her father Mustafa Dawodu Afoke converted later to Christianity, change name to Michael and was baptized in African Church, Oyingbo, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. His wife, the mother of Akanke, Muniratu Abeke (Nee Suberu) Afoke though a Muslim for love sake joined her husband to practice Christianity.
However, when her husband died, she reverted to her early fate of Muslim. As a devoted Muslim, she went to Mecca and became an Alhaja. Akanke was the only child of her parents. In event of her parents
moving to Northem Region, she had to live with her maternal grandmother. Sadatu, to enable her attend Mount Carmel Catholic School, Benton Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos where finished and received her standard six firs leaving school certificate.
She was to later join her parents in the North precisely Jos in now Plateau State. The father was a miner while her mother was a trader of assorted wares. Theresa met her first love, Ogbeni Ebenezer Oyeola Adejumo an Accountant from Ijesha, in Jos, The got married and the marriage was blessed with two children. They later divorced reasons best known for the duo.Akanke got married to Alhaji Raji Olayiwole Soetan a chemist from Abeokuta afterwards and had four children.
Akanke was a big time trader. She engaged in clothings, jewelries even pharmaceuticals. She was once time an agent in the North to Paul and Pharmaceutical Company, a onetime renowned pharmaceutical company in Lagos.
On one of her trips and probably the last coming back from the North, misfortune strucked. Her portmanteau containing the proceeds of all her sales was swapped by a con man who used a similar type of her portmanteau to carry her own portmanteau leaving his containing just old newspaper.
The devastating and frustration of the incident led Akanke to leaving Lagos for Ibadan. She stayed in Ibadan for quite sometime operating a restaurant at Liberty Stadium Road, Ososamu Street, Ibadan very close to the Liberty Stadium Ibadan.
But as fate would direct her, she went visiting her son, a Custom Officer in lIorin. There she met with first cousin, Mrs Laide Sobande and her good old friend Alhaja Mama Toyin when she was living in Jos. This enabled her to settle in Ilorin. During her spell in lIorin, she took an opportunity to visit her children in the United Kingdom for a period of over a year. This earned her the appellation of “MAMI LONDON” for which she was very known all over lIorin and beyond. She was a disciplinarian to the core and “MAMA NO NONSENSE” to all.
She lived in Ilorin for forty years. While in Ilorin she was a stanch member of the Cherubim and Seraphim. Movement. A very active member of the Church and the Band of Dorcas. She was ordained severally with titles from the Church, the last of which was MOST SENIOR SPECIAL MOTHFR IN ISRAEL.
OUR TRIBUTES
My Mum and Sister, Iya Ilorin as I always called her. We love you but God loves you more. Rest in peace.
Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth O. Oredagba
MY MUM! MY MUM!! MY MOTHER!!!
It gladdens my heart you lived the last years of your life in my care. What a glorious honour. I never knew you as my mother until I was eleven. You mother and my grandmother Alhaja Muniratu Abeke Dawodu-Afoke took me away from you while I was just started crawling. She claimed you birthed me for her. You might call it surrogacy. Laugh!!
You were a dynamic personality, believing you were equal and would surmount any task no matter how difficult and hard, physically and spiritually without having to rely on any mortal being. This was evident in your successfully training your four children single handedly. I doff my hat for this your singular feat.
You were a compassionate disciplinarian and an astute business woman. You were very loving not only to your immediate families but a mother and even grandmother to whoever crossed your path. “Mama London” “Mama Ilorin” “Most Senior Special Mother-In-Israel!! “Iya Adura”!!!
Sleep well in the bosom of your creator. We shall miss you immensely but can neverforget your “LEGACY OF LOVE and CARE for MANKIND”
–Apostle (Engr)Adejumo Olayemi Michael
MY MOTHER,
MAMA LONDON!
I’m so grateful for the way you raised me. I remembered my personalised wash bowl, grinding pepper stone and mortar and pestle for pounded yam. You were never afraid to be my mother – to put your foot down, to teach me right froinwrong, to make sure I did my best. You always let me know that I had a mama who cared about me, who believed in me, who was there for me no matter what. You Are a perfect example of a mother, you were kind, loving, strong, genuine, a disciplinarian to the core, honest, and blunt and one of the strongest, bravest, and kindest humans to grace this planet. Without you, mother, I wouldn’t be here today, I wouldn’t be the person I am today and I wouldn’t have the life I have. She is everything to me, and more. There’s no way I could ever quantify the importance she’s held in my life. Words will fail me to express how much I missed you as this void will be difficult to fill. Continue to rest my lovely mother, a.k.a “OSAMAGA”, IYAWO EKO/ IYA MUTI (As you were being addressed in my father’s compound) till we meet to part no more.
–Judith Olayinka Ekiomado (Mrs)
God made a wonderful mother, Amotherwho never grows old; He made her smile of the sunshine. And He moulded her heart of pure gold; In her eyes He placed bright shining stars, In her cheeks fair roses you see; God made a wonderful mother, And He gave that dear mother to me.
My mother was an inspiring soul, always there for all who came to her with their troubles. To the world, you were one person, but to me, you were the world. Though my mother may be gone, she will never be forgotten. Her memory and legacy will live on as i do, in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul. I love you Mum, till Eternity. Sleep well mother
Dr. Folakemi Soetan
aka Divas
http://www.citypeopleparties.com/2023/02/revealed-what-new-york-
celebrity-woman.html
TRIBUTES OF A BELOVED OTHERI
Mummy I am writing this tribute with immensed pain & sorrows in my heart. It is unthinkable that you are no more in our lives especially myself your baby boy. You had always been there for me when most
needed. Thank you mother for all your supports, advice & spiritual inclinations ever since you had me. Mum I remember in 1986 after my NYSC when I took the decision to enlist in the Nigeria army, short service combatant (Nigeria defence academic)Kaduna as a commissioned officer, you strongly objected to his move/idea, instead you decided to send me to the United Kingdom for a better future at age 26.
I am grateful mummy for all your discipline, uprightness and transparencies you imbibed in me has ever remained in my daily activities. Your legacies lives on. Rest in the bossom of our Lord Christ Jesus.
SLEEP WELL MUMMY.
Your Baby Boy.
–Dr Adeniji Soetan.
As we say our final goodbye to our grandma, our sincere prayer to us the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is for God to grant unto us, peace and love in Jesus name. Our comfort and encouragement are in the Word. As the psalmist perfectly puts it in Psalm 34: 18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” .
John 3:16:“For God so loved the world that He gave u His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”.
Grandma has done her bit, she lived life to the fullest and has finally returned to her Maker. The rest of us should ponder on the truth in the Word and embrace the Gift of eternal life. May the realization of who Jesus is and what He stands for be evident in our lives in Jesus name. Our hearts are encouraged with the
assurance in Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
His love and ours,
–Yetunde, Yemisi And Yinka
She was such a wonderful grandmother. I used to call her “Grammy” and I think she would win plenty of awards for being a loving, caring and prayerful grandmother who would always encourage us grandchildren to trust God. Her strong faith in God was passed down to us. She will surely be missed and may her soul rest in perfect peace.
–Adeola Sofoluwe (Mrs)
Grand Daughter
Granny it’s hard to accept that your abode will now be empty; The golden gates opened. With farewells lest unspoken, without any struggle but with great ease you took the master’s hand and your work on earth was done. He took you home for life more abundant. Looking back, savoring the memories of the path you tread, we bless the Lord for the times we shared. For taking care of me from 3 months old, the sleepless nights, taking me to school waiting by the road for the bus to drop me off, Nothing can take away the love a heart holds dear.
To live in the hearts of those we leave is not to die. The memory we all hold of you is a lifetime treasure. Times spent with you were often marked by love, laughter, you still gave my two little ones their first bath, the memories are with me forever, You shared years of wisdom with us teaching us so much wisdom for life and walking with God. We were always in your prayers, lifting us up for favour and compassion from God Almighty.
I remember your last words to me, won’t you come an see me before I die, it pierces through my soul, I didn’t see you. Your leaving is Heaven’s gain. Here, we will sorely miss you. Goodnight not farewell grandma. May the keeper of souls admit yours into His blissful rest. Amen.
–Bolanle Adejumo
MY TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDMOTHER
Mama London, Granny Ilorin aka my one and only namesake ‘Ibironke’, was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. She had a passion for cooking and taught me how to make some of her favorite dishes. I will always treasure the memories of us standing side-by-side in the kitchen, cooking together and sharing stories. She had a warm and nurturing spirit that made everyone feel welcome. Whenever I visited lIorin, she would always have a delicious meal waiting for me, and we would sit and chat for hours.
Her strength and resilience were a source of inspiration for me. She faced many challenges in her life, but she never gave up. She taught me that with hard work and determination, one can overcome any obstacle. Granny was a true matriarch and a pillar and glue of her family. She had a heart of gold and a way of making everyone feel special. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the lives she touched.
Though I will miss her dearly, I know that she will always be in my heart. I am grateful for the time we had together and the memories we shared. Thank you, Mama London/Granny lIorin, for everything you taught me and for the love you gave me. Rest in peace. Love always,
–Ibironke (MAMA)
My grandmother was a remarkable woman who will be sincerely missed by all those who knew her. She was a loving grandmother, mother, and friend who brought joy and comfort to those around her. Moreover, she was a great cook and it was one of the many ways she showed how much she cared.
Granny had a passion for life, and she lived it to the fullest. She had a way of making everyone feel special, and her generosity and kindness touched the hearts of many.
As we say goodbye to her, we take solace in knowing that her legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of a” those who knew her. Her memory wi” be cherished forever.
Rest in peace, Granny. You were loved, and you will be greatly missed.
–Olayemi Adejumo Jnr
Granny-Granny!! As I usually called her. One hilarious story about how she always hid her money in garri makes me smile every time I remember it. She was the one who introduced me to eating African Cheese (wara), whicr she always brought with her whenever she visited. You may have passed on, but your memories will always live on in us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love, and everything that you have done for us.
Wherever you are, I know you are in a much better place. I will be forever grateful that you are my ‘grandmother’.
–Olakunmi Adejumo
My grandmother was an exceptional person who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her. She was a-source of strength and support for her family, and her legacy will live on through the memories she created.
Though we grieve her passing, we can take comfort in the fact that she lived a long, fulfilling life, and that she will always hold a special place in our hearts. Her spirit and the lessons she taught us will continue to guide us throughout our lives. We are grateful for the time we had with her and will cherish her memory always. Rest in peace, dear grandmother. You will be deeply missed.
–Oluwagbemiga
I thank God for the privilege of spending quality mother-daughter time with Mummy about 24 hours before she breathed her last. Mummy, thank you for all the good times and the sharing of yourself andlife experiences in general. So, for myself and on behalf of my parents and the C.O Bajulaiye family, goodnight our beloved Mama London, Mama Ilorin.
See you on the Resurrection Morning. May your strong and loving soul rest in perfect peace, and may light perpetual shine upon you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
–Moyosore
Oh my Beloved Grandmother, so sad that you left so so soon, we love you but GOD loves you more. We will all miss you my Darling Granny but I want to assure you that your love and beautiful memories will forever lives in our hearts … The last time I visited, you had requested I stayed back, in tears you said what of if I come pack and i did not meet you. Sincerely sorry I didn’t stayed back as you requested, it was because of my job. Granny-Granny as you are mostly called. You lived a life full of energy, love and kindness.
She was a woman with great family value, she treated every members of her family with so much ‘love, she was never partial, she scolded where necessary. Her fashion and] business sense is immeasurable and worthy of emulation … I celebrates you my lovely Granny-Granny because you lived an exemplary life. Rest in the bosom ofthe Almighty till we meet to part no more. Adieu Grandmother ..
Sun re oooo
–Otun Zainab Taiwo
MY TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL MOTHER
As I close my eyes, I imagine myself sitting in front of my great grandmother, feeling the warmth of her embrace and the wisdom of her stories. Her gentle voice and soothing presence filled the room, and I knew that I was in the presence of a remarkable woman. My great grandmother was a woman of great strength and character, and her traditions and beliefs were deeply rooted in her Nigerian heritage. She took great pride in sharing her stories and passing down her wisdom to those around her, and’ was lucky enough to be one of the many who benefited from her guidance.
As I listened to her stories, I was transported to another time and place, where the world was a simpler, kinder, and more beautiful place. Her tales of African folklore, her personal experiences, and her love for her family and community filled my heart with joy and admiration. Despite the fact that I didn’t know her well, I could feel her love and care for me, and I knew that she wanted nothing but the best for me. Her presence was a constant reminder of the importance of family, community, and tradition, and I knew that she was an integral part of our family’s rich cultural heritage.
In her passing, my great grandmother left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and wisdom that will continue to inspire generations to come. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the time that I spent with her. Rest in peace, dear great grandmother, and thank you for sharing your stories and your love with me. Your memory will live on forever.
–Pastor (Miss) Omosewa Ibukunoluwa
Mother is gold! By divine arrangement, Mama welcomed me into her Morbit as a young impressionable lady still trying to make a way in life. She adopted me and teamed with others to give my life purpose and meaning. I give glory to God that I was able to show her the love of a grateful daughter from the heart while she was with us. Mama London, you are loved, you are missed, and all of us in my family will miss you till the end of time. We say goodbye with joy in our hearts that you lived a life of fulfillment and left a legacy of service to God and man that cannot be erased by the passage of time. And now she goes! In a blaze of glory! Mother Gold!
–Oyebola Iyabo Adido
Mummy you were precious, a gift from God, so much grace, love and patience you possessed. You made an impactfullife on we your children with prayers, care and love for me particularly. You supervised the foundation of my Eatery Friends Catering indoor and outdoor services. Your fervent prayers are responsible for the remarkable success and growth of the company. You saw beauty in every thing in life. You were a very simple minded human being. You were indeed the best person morally that I have ever known. You taught us how to live life to the fullest. I promise to keep your legacy. Adiue !! Mama we love you but God loves you more. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Amen
–Omobolanle Adeshina Akande
CEO Friends Fastfood Ltd
