Maria Oderounke Afolabi: Our Steadfast Matriarch Lives On

FEW weeks ago, the people of Oke-Ayo/Ora and its surrounding areas in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State celebrated the life and times of Mrs. Maria Oderounke Afolabi, who died recently.

Mama’s death was like a shock to many residents, family members and multitude, who benefited from her large heart, even though she died at the age of 95.

But as Christian faithful, they all took solace in the fact that she left indelible footprints in the minds of the people, and as such, she was celebrated for many days in death during her funeral rites.

Mrs. Afolabi was born to the family of Abatan Akande and Mrs. Binuyo Agbeke Eleja Abatan of Ile Ologede Okeayo/Ora in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in 1920. Mama did not know her father as he died before she was born.  She was solely brought up by her mother.

Mama got married to her heartthrob, the then young Mr. Paul Abodunrin Ajagbe Afolabi in 1942.  The marriage was blessed with six children (four females and two males). Mama was a traditionalist who got converted to Christianity as soon as she got married.

Despite the fact that she did not attend any formal educational institution, she learnt to read the Bible and was very active in church activities. As a result of her active participation in church, she eventually evolved as the Women Leader (Iya Ijo). Mama was an enterprising individual who believed in hard work to make a living. She was also generous to a fault.

She was always ready to assist the people in need not minding the inconvenience she might go through thereafter. Mama is survived by her husband, beautiful children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, nephews and nieces.

We will continue to celebrate you because as the biblical passage says, “then shall the dust return to the earth as it was and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Eccle 12: 7). Those holy words give us comfort and keep the sweet memories of you evergreen. Adieu Mama!