The Okaka community in Iseyin, Itesiwaju Local Council of Oyo State, stood still on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as friends, family, and eminent personalities from across Nigeria converged to bid farewell to Deaconess Esther Taiwo Ejide Adesina, mother of Ambassador Debo Adesina, former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian Newspapers and Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Togo.
The ceremony, marked by a blend of Christian solemnity, cultural elegance, and community grandeur, drew a long list of dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Lawal, political leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and media practitioners.
Events commenced with a 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 the education and moral upbringing of her children. Deaconess Adesina was remembered as a beacon of kindness whose life touched her family, church, and community.
In his tribute, 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.”
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 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 amid 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.
Deaconess Esther Taiwo Ejide Adesina passed away in April 2025 at the age of 98. She was a respected community leader, devout Christian, and strong pillar of support to her family. She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was born in Òtu, in Itesiwaju Local Council of Oyo State, to the family of Pa Olaoye of the Jagun’s compound and Màmá Tejumade, who hailed from Itasá in Ìwàjòwà Local Council, also in Oyo State. Born into a time and culture that often placed limitations on women’s aspirations, 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 fuelled 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.
The late Deaconess 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 accomplished family.
