Okaka community in Iseyin, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, stood still on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as friends, family, and eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged to bid farewell to the late Deaconess Esther Taiwo Ejide Adesina, beloved mother of Ambassador (Dr.) Debo Adesina, former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian Newspapers and Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Togo.

The burial ceremony, which was marked with a blend of Christian solemnity, cultural elegance, and community grandeur, drew a long list of dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Chief Adebayo Lawal, political leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and veteran media practitioners.

The day’s events commenced with a well-attended funeral service at the First Baptist Church, Okaka, where clerics extolled the virtues of the late matriarch, known for her deep Christian faith, selfless service to humanity, and commitment to education and moral upbringing of her children.
Deaconess Adesina was remembered as a beacon of kindness whose life impacted her family, church, and community.

In his tribute, Ambassador Adesina described his mother as “a rare gem, disciplinarian, and nurturer who instilled the values of hard work, honesty, and service to God and humanity” in her children. He expressed gratitude to those who travelled from far and near to honour her memory, noting that her passing was “the end of an era, but the beginning of a legacy that must be sustained.”

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Lawal, while consoling the family, lauded the late Deaconess for raising a son whose contributions to journalism, diplomacy, and national development have brought honour to Nigeria. He urged the younger generation to emulate her virtues of integrity, resilience, and devotion to communal growth.

The ceremony was further made colourful by traditional drumming, cultural dances, and displays from the Okaka community, showcasing the rich heritage of the Oke-Ogun region.

After the church service, the funeral cortege moved in a solemn procession to the Adesina family compound, where the late matriarch was laid to rest amidst emotional hymns, floral tributes, and prayers. The interment was attended by hundreds of mourners, many dressed in colourful aso-ebi fabrics, turning the event into a vibrant yet dignified celebration of life.

Other prominent attendees included serving and former government officials, veteran journalists, clergy, and representatives of various professional bodies. Messages of condolence also poured in from across the country.

Deaconess Esther Taiwo Ejide Adesina, who passed on in April 2025 at the ripe age of 98 years, was a respected community leader, devout Christian, and strong pillar of support to her family. She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mama Esther Taiwo Adesina was born in Òtu, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, into the family of Pa Olaoye of the Jagun’s compound and Màmá Tejumade, who hailed from Itasa in Ìwàjòwà Local Government Area, also in Oyo State. Born into a time and culture that often placed limitations on the aspirations of women, she faced a series of life-altering challenges from an early age. Cultural constraints, spiritual resistance, and personal hardship all sought to hinder her dreams.

Denied the privilege of formal education in her formative years due in part to the decisions of her foster mother, she was unable to attend school as a child. Yet, these obstacles only fueled her determination. Later in life, she embraced adult education, eventually earning her Primary School Leaving Certificate and achieving literacy in Yoruba. This accomplishment stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to self-development and lifelong learning.

Late Deaconess Adesina made it her life’s mission to ensure that all her children and grandchildren received the best education possible, striving for excellence in their chosen fields. Through her dedication, each family member achieved significant academic and professional success across various sectors, including business, ministry, medicine, academia, journalism, and international service.

Her legacy of faith, discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge lives on in her well-established and accomplished family.