On Friday, February 21, 2025, UK-based Funmi Bawala and her siblings paid a heartfelt tribute to their beloved mother, Mrs. Eunice Adefala, with a dignified and memorable burial ceremony in Ijebu-Ode. The two-day event, which began with a Christian wake service at Faith Revival Apostolic Church, was a celebration of a life well lived, bringing together family, friends, and well-wishers to honour her legacy.
Following a moving funeral service at the church, the late Mrs. Adefala was laid to rest at the Ijebu-Ode Christian Cemetery. Clerics from the church led the solemn interment, as her loved ones bid their final farewell amidst tears and prayers for her peaceful rest.
A grand reception followed at AM 2 PM Hotels and Suites, where Mrs. Funmi Bawala, her husband Dr. Bawala, and her siblings celebrated their mother’s remarkable legacy. The event was a glamorous affair, filled with joy, music, and heartfelt tributes. Guests were treated to delicious meals, drinks, and souvenirs, while the Plug Band provided soulful entertainment, making the evening an unforgettable tribute to a devoted mother.
About Late Mrs. Eunice Adefala
Mrs. E.E. Adefala, fondly known as “Mummy” and “Grandma,” was a woman of grace, strength, and dedication. Born on November 23, 1946, in Uzuakoli, Abia State, she was raised in a home that valued education and resilience. Her deep passion for teaching and service shaped her into a mentor and role model, inspiring countless lives.
Her educational journey began at Uzuakoli Practicing School, followed by Ovim Girls High School. She later pursued teacher training, earning her NCE in Physical and Health Education from NTI Ilorin. As a dedicated educator, she impacted many young minds, leaving a lasting influence beyond the classroom.
In 1969, she married the late Chief S.A. Adefala, with whom she built a loving home and raised seven children. After his passing in 2015, she remained the family’s pillar, embodying resilience and devotion. Her legacy of love, service, and strength continues to inspire those who knew her.
What The Children, Son-In-Law and Deceased Nephew Told CityPeople
Chief Samuel Anozie Okorie (Nephew)
Chief Okorie honours his late aunt, describing her as more than just a relative but a nurturing figure who understood and cared for her family deeply. He expresses gratitude for her life and acknowledges the efforts of her children in organizing a befitting farewell. He admires her commitment to love, peace, and education, values that he has embraced by ensuring his own children are well-educated. Her ability to mediate conflicts and bring harmony wherever she went left a lasting impact on those around her.
As the family mourns her passing, Chief Okorie emphasizes that her absence will be deeply felt, especially her guidance and unwavering support. He urges her children to uphold the legacy of unity and love she instilled in them, using the analogy of a broom—stronger together than apart.
Dr. Pastor Bamidele Adefala (First Son)
Pastor Adefala honours his mother as a devoted, selfless, and resilient woman. He recalls her unwavering commitment to her children despite facing hardships, including financial struggles and an unhappy marriage. She took competitive loans, worked tirelessly as a teacher, and even farmed to ensure all seven of her children received an education.
Reflecting on her legacy, Pastor Adefala acknowledges the deep void her passing has left in his life. He describes her as irreplaceable, a woman whose impact will be remembered every single day. Though her absence is painful, he finds comfort in the knowledge that she is resting in the bosom of the Lord, and he will cherish her memory forever.
Hakeem Adefala (Second Son)
Hakeem describes his mother as a selfless and hardworking woman who sacrificed to ensure her children were educated, even combining farming with her teaching job to provide for them. Her honesty was exemplary, as seen in an instance where she returned an excess withdrawal at the bank, reinforcing the values she instilled in her children.
As the family lays her to rest, Hakeem expresses deep admiration for her righteousness and the lessons she passed down, particularly the importance of honesty. He acknowledges that her absence will be deeply felt, especially her advice and guidance.
Funmilayo Bawala (First Daughter)
Funmilayo describes her late mother as a loving, selfless, and resilient woman who made countless sacrifices for her children. Despite facing hardships, she remained strong and never showed her struggles, always ensuring her children had the best opportunities. She recalls her mother’s unwavering support, including taking loans to help with her WASSCE and travel expenses to the UK.
Her passing was a deep shock to the family, and Funmilayo, who was abroad at the time, recalls their last conversations over FaceTime. Despite the pain, she is determined to uphold her mother’s legacy by continuing to touch lives, just as her mother did.
Dr. Toheeb Bawala (Son-in-Law)
Dr. Bawala fondly remembers his late mother-in-law as a loving, caring, and highly respected woman. He describes her as humble yet strong-willed, treating him like her own son from their very first meeting nearly 30 years ago. Her generosity and kindness extended beyond family, as she impacted many lives with her selfless giving and unwavering support.
Reflecting on the tributes shared at her funeral, Dr. Bawala feels proud that her legacy is one of love and goodness. He recalls how she warmly welcomed and assisted people, regardless of their background. As he bids her farewell, he acknowledges that her absence will leave a deep void in his life, and he will greatly miss her love, wisdom, and generosity.
Fatai Abidemi Adefala (Fifth Son & State Director of Fire Service, Ogun State)
Fatai expresses deep gratitude to God for the successful burial of his mother, an educationist who touched many lives. He acknowledges the overwhelming support from people across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting her positive impact. Despite the pain of losing her, he finds solace in her well-lived life and the legacy she left behind.
Describing his mother, he recalls how she shaped his life, especially in education and discipline. Initially uninterested in studying, he was eventually motivated to embrace learning, thanks to her influence. She was strict about education, corrected bad English, and valued hard work. Her sacrifices, including borrowing money for school fees and ensuring her children’s success, remain a powerful testament to her dedication.
Fatai highlights her generosity and compassion, always prioritizing others’ well-being before her own. She believed in sharing, caring for the less privileged, and ensuring fairness in all dealings. He vows to uphold her values by looking after his staff’s welfare and practising selflessness, just as she taught him. Now, in her absence, he deeply misses her presence, prayers, and unconditional love, cherishing the lessons she instilled in him.
The tributes from Mrs. Eunice Adefala’s children, in-laws, and relatives paint a picture of an extraordinary woman whose influence extended far beyond her family. She was a pillar of strength, an advocate for education, and a beacon of selflessness. As her children and loved ones continue to uphold the values she instilled in them, her legacy of love, sacrifice, and generosity will live on for generations to come.
Jamiu Abubakar
-08085185886
