came as a rude shock to me, when the news came forth that you had taken your last breathe, I was confused, devastated, dejected and my heart filled with grief. I could not hold my tears. My dear loving mother, my companion my partner in progress. You gave your love and time to your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and all other family and extended family members. You were never found wanting in anything that concerns you or your family. You are an example of a caring mother, caring sister, caring aunty, caring friend and a caring mother-in-law, to all who came across you, by rendering your help in no small measure. A family woman. Mum you served your community and the house of God. You worshipped diligently, selflessly and unconditionally. Alhamdullilai, Alhamdulilai, Alhamdulilai, Rabili Alamin. Mum you served your God faithfully until your last breathe on the 26th July, 2016. God also gave you the energy and strength to reach out to all your friends and relations whenever they called on you. ‘Alhaja Odiwo’, we have every cause to celebrate your life and achievements. Mum you left us with many enduring legacies and we are very proud to be a part of your mission here on earth. We shall continue to carry on your good works, Insha Allah. May Allah accept you into Aljanal Firdous. Mum a gift of Gold is expensive. A gift of money is appreciated. But the gift of having you in my life is priceless. Alhamdulillah. Thanks for being my mum, my teacher, my driver. Thank you for your love and affection. When I am weak, you supported me, when I am down you raised me up, many times that I was sick you took care of me, till I was strong. You gave me the special motherly care. All to the Glory and grace of God that I am alive today is by your grace. Thank you Lord. Subuhanallai, Wal- Hamdu-Lilliahi. Well done mum, you have indeed raised a nation. Sleep on and sleep well”.
MR ADEBAYO 
OMOBOLANLE ODUBEKO – “My mother was many things: giver of life, friend, supporter, counsel, dancer, songstress, humanitarian, disciple of Allah. She led an exemplary life that I have struggled to match, such was her devotion to morality, spirituality, compassion and hard work. I have no doubts that had she herself had the benefit of education and opportunities she bestowed upon me, Ramotalai Agbeke Oladunjoye would have blazed trails that would have brought national and international recognition. Mummy was full of song and dance. She composed for many. She was prolific in composition and unrivalled on the dance floor. Her joy of life made my upbringing such a happy one and her return to her maker, such a painful one. Mummy you were so cool. You joie de vivre always amazed me. You imbided so many cultures and loved to travel if your favorite expression was ‘mofe mo ibe’ (I want to know the place). I will never forget or underestimate the sacrifice you made for me and my five siblings. You are a giant of a mother and mother of all. I made a promise to you ….. that I will keep. Rest in perfect peace.”
ALHAJI TAOHED ADEMOLA ODUBEKO – “A great and special mum who compromised her youth for her children. A disciplinarian yet loving. Her respect for Allah and others was outstanding . Her humility and selfless nature brought about her popular phrase ‘O diwo’ meaning its important even when it’s not convenient. She can go out of her way just to make others happy. I could remember vividly how she worked tirelessly to ensure we had the best education. She gave us the moral and financial support we needed and constantly reminded us to be hard working, diligent and honest, hence the phrase ‘e beru olorun o’. She is mother in a million as well as a mother to all. Her devotion to prayers is second to none. A successful textile trader, very hard working and her astute attitude to work and life in general was awesome”.
ALHAJI HAKKEM ADEBOWALE ODUBEKO – “ Maami, I thank the Almighty Allah for your life. You were a good mother, a special mother, a mother in a million. You cared for us all even at the expense of your health. You would go to any length to ensure that we were doing fine. Anytime you came to Ikorodu, you would always make a stop at the house to check up on Quyyum and I. Our maami you didn’t even say goodbye.
MRS ADEFOLAKE OMOTAYO KOYA- “my mother, my mentor, my teacher and my best friend. To know you mum, is to love you. I have known you since forever. You brought me into this world, nurtured me into the young, gentle woman that I am today. You taught me to be selfless, honest and upright. Your favorite sayings continue to echo in my mind, ‘Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.’ You taught me to be content in all my doings, not to have, ‘ojo ko ko ro’ as you always called it ‘Cut your coat according to size’, another of your favorite sayings rings in my heart. Our growing up days were tough. You were a disciplinarian who would communicate with us with your eyes. We had mastered the art of your eyes movements. Your eyes did the talking. God help us if we dare miss it. We dare not collect any food, drinks or money from visitors. You gave us the eye in a stylish but firm and controlling manner. We understood the eye language so well. You raised us to be diligent, respectful and honest (you hated lies with a person). You stood for the truth, integrity and honesty”.
MR ADESHOGA OMOTAYO ODUBEKO – “So much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched so many hearts including mine. You put me and my siblings through school and raised all us on your own. You were humble and hardworking, a true provider. For that I am eternally grateful. It is impossible to put into words everything I should be thankful for. When I think of my childhood, the first person that always comes to mind is you. I acknowledged raising me was not easy, with my stubborn self and bratty stage in life. Sometimes I don’t understand how you handle it. My childhood was full of memories of your life and the attention you showered on me. You were liberal yet firm your own way. Thank you for the love you gave me, for the foundation I had. I’m a confident, self-assured person today. You were there for me throughout my life struggle and were constantly praying and encouraging me through it all. The strength, unconditional love, your prayers and support were more than two parents could ever fulfill. You gave me more than I deserve and never gave up on me. I can’t tell you enough how much it meant to me how you were always encouraging me to be the best person I could possibly be. Now that you have passed on, I realize that I should have been taking more time to thank you for the countless things you did for me”.
OMOLADE ODUBEKO – “Grandma was one special lady and the loss of her felt deeply by many, even though she lived a full life. Still, we can’t believe grandma has been taken away from us. We will miss our grandmother, but she lives on. She lives on in all those who have been touched by the love, strength, conviction, wisdom and beauty of her soul. Love you grandma – you truly were a special, special woman. You may have passed on, but your memories live forever. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for me. Wherever you are, I know you are in a much better place. I will be forever grateful and thankful that I could call you grandma”.
ADETAYO ODUBEKO – “my grandma was a beautiful, energetic woman with such a big heart, always dancing and singing with us. She taught me about generosity and love which is very significant to me and I one day hope to be as influential as she was to me. I will always remember her and the good times we had together. We all miss her although her spirit and strength lives on in each of us and the lives that she has touched”.
Our reporters and cameramen were on ground and captured these fantastic shots for your pleasure.