EULOGIES AS MAMA MARIAM AYOKA OKOZI-ADENIJI (82) GOES HOME

To everything that has a beginning there is surely an end! The bracket opened for Mrs Marian Ayoka Adeniji on the 27th of August 1940 and closed on 20th August 2022 after a brief illness. It was indeed an impactful life!

The beautiful daughter of Late Jimoh Okegbenro and late Madam Aliratu Bamgbade Okegbenro of Alugbin compound, Ijaye and Amo compound, ijaye, Abeokuta respectively lived a remarkable life that she was described as “ a true force to be reckoned with , strong , determined, a soldier of Christ , a virtuous woman , dedicated, caring , warm and full of vitality”

Married to Late Oyekunle Sigmund Adeniji, Madam Ayoka Adeniji determined in her heart to leave an indelible footprint.

The amiable and dotting mother of Funmilola, Oluwayemisi, Bukonla, Afolabi, Afolasade and Oyefesobi lived an inspiring life that permeated beyond the children to the grandchildren. She was a grandmother of nations! Confirming her impact in their lives, the grandchildren had stated : “ The years will always roll on by and time will always pass, but every memory we have of you will always last”.

Afolabi and Adejinmi Adeniji had described her as an irreplaceable and unforgettable mum. Writing further:

“Darling Mother, a woman like no other. You were the true picture of motherhood; your sacrifice, devotion, love, kindness and generosity are exceptional. Our Hero! In your difficult times in life, you never deserted your children. Your love enables us to do the impossible. You always ensured your children are very comfortable and given the best teachings and guidance. You raised all your children in the way of the Lord. Even, at adulthood, you never left us alone. Your wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, event planning, accountancy, home making, and building has been a blessing to us. We have been able to achieve much today because of your selfless service. We were not prepared for you to pass on so soon, thinking we will see each other and discuss about unfolding events in our search for greener pasture. We never got the chance to bring you closer and say Goodbye. You’re with us in our memories and broken hearts. An epitome of humility, submissive wife of Oyekunle Sigismund, a great woman, a pillar and the most truly Mum has gone home. Your life was well spent, and you fulfilled the will of God. We pray your soul finds eternal rest. You have left a great vacuum which the children must work extra hard to fill. Your unconditional love for all and sundry is a great assignment. Your passion for family as you fondly called them aunty mi, boda mi, sister mi, obakan mi, iyale mi, aburo mi, iyawo mi, omo mi are worthy of emulation. On earth, there is no other Marian Ayoka. Till we meet on the ressurection day.”

Bukola Eesuola just like many others described her as a support system : ”

“Iya Bukola, you left this sinful world on the 20/08/2022 at exactly 6:30am right in my presence, no one thought the brief illness could lead to your demise but God knows best.

I miss your care so much but I am glad we were able to spend lot of time together and your memories still lingers in my brain.

You were a mother indeed, you were my support system, you made sure Oluwajomiloju, my daughter never lacked anything, you took good care of her from birth till your death”.

Madam Marian Ayoka Adeniji through her life further confirmed that when there is a will , there is a way. Despite her humble beginning due to her mother’s ill health when she was six months old, she was determined to live an impactful life leaving behind great testimonies. She allowed the impact of her late aunt Alhaja Raliat Amoke Osoko who was married to Late Chief Joseph Olatunbosun Osoko to rub on her.

Her inability to complete her secondary school due to challenges served as a tonic for her to ensure that her children are well educated and able to compete with anyone anywhere. She struggled and ensured that whatever stopped her did not have the capacity to stop her children. Little, wonder the children have every reason to roll out the drums to thank God for her life. She was an embodiment of native intelligence who saw into the future and did not allow her predicaments to dictate her future. She liberated her inner mind. She knew that she was brilliant and intelligent but limited by situation and circumstances.

According to her biography, “she acquired her trading skill from her aunt, Alhaja Raliat Osoko. She started trading from area J4, Ogun State where she specialized in the sales of cloth. On her arrival in Abeokuta, she joined Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development as salesclerk and worked for brief period of four years. Experiences gathered while in the Ministry led her into the business of frozen foods and her kiosk was located at Texaco Filling station Ibara, Abeokuta.”

Her inherent brilliance, commitment and determination must have helped her to succeed in the business world which is full of antics.

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Living out her most loved hymn,” Aigbagbo bila, temi loluwa” she dealt terrible blows to every unbelief on her way, taking advantage of every ray of hope and holding firmly to the promises of God Almighty. To her, impossibility was dead!

In a world that many keep chasing fulfilment till they drop dead , Mama Ayoka Adeniji, found fulfilment, embraced it and did not let it slip by. She knew the time to run and the time to stop running. Wisdom! Sickness did not retire her but she retired herself.

“Later, she moved her business to Iporo-Ake after which she voluntarily retired from active business and relocated to Agogo-Ide, Obantoko. She justified her retirement with the claim that her last born had finished his tertiary education and that she is fulfilled in life and deserved sweet rest after a rigorous labour.”

Hopefully, her disposition to life would teach many others great lessons of contentment.

It is evident from the celebration of her life that she was a core family person. She was intentional about the fact that togetherness of the family is a great virtue. No doubt, the children have adopted her template as reflected in the program of activities of her celebration. According to Pastor Okegbenro Adetunji, : A woman that used all her life caring for the Okegbenro’s family and children is second to none”

Madam Ayoka Adeniji had the great understanding that it is God that giveth the power to make wealth. She did not attribute the resources that God Almighty gave her to her brilliance or smartness and therefore was ready and willing to contribute to God’s work and upliftment of humanity, putting smiles on the faces off people around her.

“She had a great passion for God’s work, and this often reflected in her contribution to church projects and activities. She belonged to Foursquare Women International (FWI), and a member of LCF at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State.”

The conclusion of her journey should normally propel any reasonable man and woman to think twice and ponder on what happens after the bracket is closed. She had a privilege of tidying up her house before the beginning of another unending beginning. She grabbed the opportunity with both arms and declared “mi o le jiya laye ki n tun jiya l’orun, Oluwa dariji mi, mu mi lo si ile Ologo” Father, please forgive me of all my sins and let me reign with you in eternity.
Madam Ayoka Adeniji knew that her children could afford to prepare meals to celebrate her departure but decided to give everyone who would hear about her a “take away” that it is a terrible thing to miss eternity.