Aiku Forum
Forum for Social Innovation & Sustainable Development
Celebrating Mama
Onigolu
Madam Comfort Aiku Adeyele (néé
Odujobi) 1952 - 2019
A jewel of inestimable value!
Childhood
Mama was born on the 22nd of
November 1932 to the family of Pa
Onafowokan, popularly known as
„Eleku“ of Igan. Her Father was the
late Pa Alfred Odujobi Onafowokan,
popularly known as „Ejiwoye“. Her
Mother was late Madam Eunice Idowu
Onafowokan, a daughter from the
Families of Pa Aniure from Igan-Aarin
and Pa Elejiku from the Akobada
ruling house, Ibido, Odosenlu. Mama
lost her mother at the tender age of
four (4). She was broght up by her
grandmother - Mama Sennowo
alongside her cousin -Otunba Thomas B.
Adebayo.
Education
Mama has no access to formal
education, but her quest for knowledge
made her enrol for adult education in
the early 70s. She brilliantly completed
the courses and could read very well till
old age. Mama later became a standing
member of the delegation of the Holy
Trinity Anglican Church Igan to the
diocesan synod. At 87, mama still read
her Bible without wearing glasses. Her
Memory was so sharp that most
members of the family consult her to
verify past issues.
Working Life
Mama was a committed and sacrificial
trader, loved by all and sundry. She
would engaged in any honest activity
that brings enough profit to cater for
her needs.
As hard-working as Mama was, she
traded in Kundi and Tapa fish at Atan
and Owu markets. She traded in
household wares, foodstuffs, etc.
As a woman of virtue, Mama also
engaged in stone sieving in the quarry
(Ajo mi dola) to make ends meet. An
activity that took her to Imuroko where
she stayed with her aunty called
Maadan. Mama was also reknowned for
her Gari production. Traders and
Patrons of Oke Aje market in ijebu-ode,
Imushin Market, Mojoda Market in Igan
and Fugbada Marke in Ita-Marun all
remeber Mama for her honest,
reconciliatory and religious nature.
Family Life
Onigoolu got married to late Pa Johnson
Bolaji Adeyele in the early fifties (50s).
The marriage was blessed with many
children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren. Mama was a rejected
stone that became the „Corner Stone“
Mama with her Children and
Grandchildren
Christian Life
Onigoolu was a devoted Christian to the
core. Baptized and confirmed. She loves
singing and she was a „Praying Mantis“.
Mama welcomes and bids every one
with prayers. She was a member of
Ifelodun Society of Holy Trinity Anglican
Church, Igan. She also belong to "Egbe
Aya Bishop".
Onigolu was a valiant soldier of Christ.
The focal point of the family, a caring
and loving mother and grand-mother.
May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Tributes
Below are few lines from the
numerous tributes paid to Onigolu‘s
memory.
Mrs Aderinsola F Balogun
(Mama‘s eldest child)
“Onigolu, despite the fact that you did
not enjoy motherly care, you played the
motherly role to every child that comes
your way till death.We labored together
for my first fruit at Abiye Hospital
Makun, Shagamu. The day you were
bathing me and I feinted cannot be
forgotten. You did not have the
priviledge to get formal education but
you made sure your children got to the
peak of their careers. Even the adopted
children and any child that came your
way.“
Olubunmi Idowu Bolaji
(Mama‘s only son)
“….. My sojourn with you in this life
taught me some valuable lessons. Your
life exemplified biblical teachings. You
demonstrated the fruits of the Spirit,
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,
Goodness, faithfulness, Gentleness and
Self-Control……
Dear Lord,
If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
And tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her.
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for a while.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
But there’s an ache within my heart
That will never go away.“
Mrs Taiyelolu A. Omotayo
(Mama‘s last born)
“You lived as a single mother for almost
50 years of your life, you struggled and
suffered so much to raise me and my
siblings, you worked hard and endure so
many hardships to ensure your children
reached greater heights.
I salute your enduring, perseverance,
tolerance, long suffering, peace-making
spirit, above all, a praying mother with
a bended knee. All your wish and
prayers were answered an us and our
children.
The mere mention of you in public
opens companionship &
opportunities.“.
Mama with Yetunde, one of her
Grandchildren
Mrs Stella Taiwo Akinyemi
(néé Olaitan - Aunty Abeni)
“…. the most compassionate and
understanding wife of the Adeyeles
family is gone. She was the only one
who understood my mother, and all my
other siblings know this. What else can
we say than to thank God for her
life…..“
Oluwayemisi Balogun
(One of Mama‘s grand-children)
“…. Oh Aikulola, the kind of mother in-
law I pray for. I can‘t believe you did not
eventually wait to see my kids like
you‘ve always hoped. Who will call me
when needed, to advise and plead with
me not to fight mith my dad, remind me
to always be there for my siblings
because that is all that matters? ….
Who will call me to sing to me on my
birthday, or even constantly check up
on me and tell me how much you look
forward to my next visit? …. Thank you
for the unforgettable memories you left
with us, they will always be a part of us“
Peculiar Omotayo
(Mama‘s youngest grand-child)
“ …. if tears could build a stairway and
walk down to memory lane. I will walk
up to heaven just to see your beautiful
face once more. Noamount of farewell
could bring you back. I kept on figuring
your charming face. I drew and drew
your pictures. can a picture talk? Can a
picture do what my Grandma use to do
for me? Love you till eternity“