MAMA Deborah Adepate Akanke Togun was born on April 17, 1926 into the family of Baba Busari Oladejo of Fowomole’s Compound, Popo Yemoja, Ibadan. Her mother’s name was Mama Kalitu Oladejo. She was the first child of her parents. She had the late Saidu Oladejo, Amidu Adeyemi, Amusa Oladejo and Nafisat Ayinke to mention a few as her siblings. Mama and her parents journeyed from Ibadan to Okuta now in Kwara State where they settled down.

She had no opportunity of formal school education but she attended Elam School (a.k.a Iyawo School) as a Pastor’s wife, which enabled her to read and write.

She met her heartthrob, the Revd. Sunday Ayoola Togun who proposed to have her hand in marriage at Okuta. This proposal generated a lot of controversy because she was originally from a Muslim family and her father vehemently refused such proposal on religious grounds. It took a lot of persuasions and lobbying by some well-meaning people for her father to accept the proposal. After their marriage, which God blessed with children, her name was changed from Abibatu to Deborah.

The couple settled first at Irawo in Oyo State. Later, her husband was transferred to Ago-Ore as a (Nigeria Tobacco Company (NTC) instructor.

Mama worked relentlessly and tirelessly with her husband as a servant of God Almighty in the following locations: Baptist Church Modeke (now Zion Baptist), Igboho (1955 – 1956); Baptist Church, Ilesha Ibariba (1961 – 1965); Ogo Oluwa Baptist Church, Ilado Iseyin (1966 – 1982); Baptist Church, Isale Togun (now Oore Ofe) Lanlate (1982 – 1989); First Baptist Church, Gbagia Oja, Ondo State (1989 – 1993); and First Baptist Church, Ijaye in Akinyele local council of Oyo State (1993 – 1996). During these periods, Mama served as coordinator of the Women Wing of the Churches.

Mama never played with her tithes; she was a cheerful giver, peacemaker as well as very caring, loving, accommodating and compassionate. People admired her for her neatness; she was also a disciplinarian to the core. Mama liked to sing Eni ba gbekele Olorun YHB 245 every passing day before her demise.

She was an active member of Anjola Oluwa and Ajolaye Obinrin of Ogo Oluwa and First Baptist Churches, Saki, Oyo State, respectively.

Mama Togun is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Our consolation is that she died ‘the death of the righteous… let my last be like His’ (1 Num 23:10b). Deborah Adepate Akanke has fought a good fight, finished her course and kept the faith. We love you but God loves you most. We will certainly miss you.
Sun re o; Akanke ori.