Tribute
Iyabode my loving wife, it is still a shock to experience your passing away in my hands. You are caring, loving, compassionate, kind, generous, family–oriented, supportive wife, a good mother to our children, and a God-fearing woman. You were so hardworking and you did your best to provide for us. Your love for me Akionola, your children, siblings, and friends cannot be matched. We will miss you so much, we will miss your love and care. Keep resting in the bosom of God. Amen.
– Akinola Olubowale.
Mummy,
You left in a sudden with a peaceful departure. I will always remember you, every moment spent with you this year. I'm happy you have gone home to rest in a place of peace, away from troubles and problems. Mummy Sleep well and in peace, greetings to papa Daniel. Be our guarding angel from above to protect us all. – Capt. Dipo Olubowale.
Mum- you were always here to listen and give good advice. Always ready to jump in and help no matter what time or day. Mommy, you will be missed dearly. Forever in our hearts and memory.
- Taiwo Olubowale
Grandma was always like my second mum, she took care of me, fed me, and always encouraged me to do my best. Most of my Childhood memories are filled with lessons that she taught me and they have shaped the person that I am today. It's hard for me to accept that She is gone but the memories that we had together will forever live with me. – Serena Olubowale.
Hmmmm, Mama, words fail me at this time and moment. How do I start writing a tribute for you at this time when you just celebrated your 70th, nine months ago and we were meant to celebrate your 80th and 90th Birthdays? What exactly do you expect me to write about you? Is it how you showed and taught us the way of the Lord and the mercy of God has kept us on that path? Is it your constant prayers for us? Was it how selfless and sacrificial you were? How your entire life was for your husband, Children (biological and adopted), Grand Children, family, and humanity in general. How you carried everybody’s problem and made sure everyone was alright before considering yourself? What exactly do you want me to write about you Mrs. Olubowale Senior? Is it how during a fuel scarcity some years ago and I just mentioned that I needed fuel to be at work the next day, without my knowledge you carried a jerry can from one fuel station to the other searching for fuel for me and as usual you found a way and I had my car tank filled. Should I write about our numerous vacation trips together? I remember the last one we had you said “Topy this will be our last holiday together, I am not traveling with you again oooo. Your next holiday vacation will be with your husband and so it was. Diocesan Lay reader (as I usually tease you), you always made things happen. I still wonder till this moment how you do it. All that was needed was just to give you a call.
Hmmmmm, aya ati abiamo too to, you will be greatly missed but I find my comfort in 1THESSALONIANS 4:13. MAMA, I am not ignorant of your falling asleep in the Lord, but I won't be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope. Sleep on GALLANT SOLDIER, you fought a good fight and WON. HALLELUJAH!!! – Temitope Umo
Grandma has always guided me and prayed with me. I will miss her cooking and mostly her calls. – Joshua Olubowale.
IYANIWURA,
Mama Ponle, Ma Kinyemi, Ma Tope, Ma Tayo, hmmmmmmm… To be writing a tribute for you at 70 years is not what I was planning, but God knows best. I lost a sister, a mother figure that has always been there for me, and all the people around me, especially my children, YOUR children. Sister, you will always be in my mind. You were known as my mother when we were younger. When there was a grievance in the family that took me back to OYO, our maternal side, you were sent by our father, Pa Isaac Oladipupo Daniel (his blessed memory) to travel there and bring me Titilayo (The untouchable) back to Lagos, YOU DID. Sister, remembering your motherly task, and then love, when I lost my first baby at a young age, I was lost, wandering, only to find myself in Badagry with an unknown family, you were contacted, and you brought me back home safely, AGAIN. IYANIWURA MI, nobody can replace you in my life. RIP Sis –Titilayo.
Words fail me over the thought of writing you a Tribute mum, am used to seeing you, indeed I wish I could turn back the event of the past weeks and keep you here with us all. Tears fill my eyes at the very thought that you are no longer here, but I take solace in the fact that I know we are all strangers and pilgrims in this world, passing through to our eternal destination to our father and our Lord Jesus Christ. The testimonials of the life you lived are what we are already witnessing starting from the day of your passing. Big Mummy, you were given a family but you raised a nation, given an opportunity to serve and you rose through the ranks to the top, Upheld your mandate as a virtuous woman, you devoted your time to the service of the Lord. Mrs. Iyabode Ebunoluwa Olubowale A Mother, A Rare Gem, and An Angel. Fare well mummy with love - Akintayo Daniel Olubowale.
Mummy mummy, the reality of your sudden relocation is gradually setting in. Misty-eyed, hazy vision still I must finish this piece. The massive vacuum this has created can only be filled by the Almighty God alone. So much to say, yet finding the right words to convey them is wanting. However, one thing remains, the fond memories of your life as mother, that you selflessly shared lives on. I would forever miss you Mummy mummy, the one and only Chairman of Kajeun Kasun Enterprises. I am most glad that you lived for the Father, and there is no doubt that you are home. Glory be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who kept you from falling till the end, and has now presented you faultless before the Father with exceeding joy. Amen. - Akaninyene Umo
Words fail me, my mama, you live forever in my heart, thank you for what you represented and for all you sacrificed for us all. – Ola Umeh-Ujubuonu
Mummy, Mummy, that was how I addressed you. You saw beauty in everything about life. You carried yourself with dignity and poise. From the first day I met you, you made me feel welcomed into the family. I will live with the memories of how much you looked out for me and others. You never ceased to remind us of your great heritage, you regaled us with " awon Omo Rica". Rica is an Iberian word for Rich. Never could have imagined that I will come home and not see you again. You will be missed so much. Sun re Iyabo Ebunoluwa Olubowale. Ija dopin Ogun setan. – Chukwudi Umeh-Ujubuonu
Indeed, a mother of all, loving, receptive, accommodating, lover of God, giver, kind-hearted, your passing shocked us all, we know you are in a better place, and we are comforted by the fact that you lived your life for Christ and service to humanity. We know you are in a better place. Till we meet again rest in power dear mother in love. - Bunmi Olubowale.
Goodbye Grandma, we love you, and we miss you. with love from Simi, Shindara and Ileri Olubowale.
What can I say and how do I begin? Mama Ponle, as she was popularly called, was like a second mother to me. She was very accommodating and always willing to be supportive when needed. She was dearly loved by my mum and words fail me to express how adorable her relationship with my mum really was. Her smiles, gentle demeanor, and counsel will be greatly missed, but honestly can never be forgotten. She was generous to a fault, ready to give of herself at the slightest nudge just to be supportive. She gave me the platform, in hindsight, to be confident, self-determined, and always expect to see the best in any situation through adventurous organizations like YMCA and many other youth associations that I was privileged to be part of. Growing up with my cousins, who are her children, gave me a second-to-none and very rare privilege to see a woman so dedicated, loving, and bedrock to her family. She has left a vacuum that really would be difficult for anyone to fill, but her loving memory will forever be cherished and never be forgotten. A very polite woman of God and swift to offer her shoulder to lean on, to say the least. I still grapple with the reality that she is longer on this side of eternity but she'll forever be cherished and remembered in my heart. Life can be so busy that you lose track of dates, but one sure way I could tell it was a new month, was receiving a 'happy new month' message from Aunty without fail every month. I love you Aunty Iyabo, but God loves you more. - Seyi Santos
One of our daughters in Christ has gone to rest in the Lord, who are we to question GOD? The golden voice on the pulpit has seized. Eloquent preacher, very vocal, prayerful, respectful, and beautiful. Iyabo, Iya Ponle, Omo Pa. Daniel of Ifelodun, you are one of our supporters. Anytime we call on you, you respond with LOVE. CH750 “Sleep thy last sleep, free from care and sorrow; rest, where none weep, till the eternal morrow; though dark waves roll o'er the silent river, thy fainting soul Jesus can deliver. May the Lord strengthen Pa. Olubowale and their children. Your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace. – Ifelodun Christian Association (BAHM Church)
Oh! What a great loss! Paga-Iku doro, Iku sika. A good heart has stopped breathing and a good soul has ascended to heaven. The end came so fast. The news of her death came to us at our house fellowship as a shock. Mama Ponle was a devoted Christian who had Jesus on her lips, in writing and behavior, a great prayer warrior, a loving and submissive wife, and a dutiful mother to emulate by all women. From her youth, she served her creator extremely well to the end. She was a rock in our house fellowship and we will greatly miss her because the vacuum she left will be difficult to fill. This daughter of Zion never came late every Monday, come rain or sunshine, a good leader and bible scholar. Cool, calm, and collected. Her impact on our house fellowship will not be forgotten so easily. Although we would have preferred that she remained with us much longer, we take solace in the fact that our sister is now with the Almighty. We should all be reminded of the book of Isaiah 57:1-2 “ Good people pass away the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow goodly paths will rest in peace when they die. To her loving family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May the Lord give you courage, gaiety, and quiet mind and console you in this irreparable loss and keep you steadfast always, believing that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Iyabo, sun re o lookan aya Jesu – Mercy Eneli House Fellowship Centre- BAHM Church.
Mama Ponle as we fondly called her was an epitome of strength, grace, love, and beauty. She was remarkable in a special way, accommodating, a prayer warrior, hospitable, soft-spoken, peaceful, hardworking, a beautiful cook, and an outstanding mother to all. Words will never be enough to express our deepest thoughts and grief. We were shocked to receive the news of her transition yet thankful to God for an impactful and fulfilled life. In our youthful days as children, we looked forward to spending time with Mummy and her family in Abule Nla during the Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays including some weekends. She accommodated us ensuring our comfort and safety always. The memories of her moonlight tales, delicious Christmas cakes, and meals (fried stew) will remain with us forever. For every experience, memory, and people that God brings into our lives, prepares us for an unforeseeable future. Mama Ponle was a sweet mother with an exceptional and transparent personality who lived a humble and selfless life. Her love for God was unfathomable and mind-blowing. We shall never forget her, as she becomes our guardian angel. Until we meet to part no more, may her beautiful and gentle soul rest in peace. Amen . Adieu! Sun re Daughter of Zion. From: Children of Late Barr. Kehinde Sulola Evbuoma (nee Olubowale).
Aunty Iyabo as she is fondly called, I called her aunty. It is true that everyone born of a woman shall one day leave this mortal earth; it is also true that the life of a man on earth is brief and full of turbulence. It is difficult and painful to say goodbye because you left too soon. If we had a choice and the power, we would rather you stay with us, but God chooses his right time. Aunty, you were a mother, sister, mentor, counselor, Aunty to me and so many irrespective of family and link. Woman of unity, peace and one that cares about others. Aunty, your demise leaves sorrow, grief, and pain especially when one remembers your smiles, respect, care, and love for me and my family. A precious woman with a kind heart, who never gets angry. Rest in The Lord until we meet to part no more. ADIEU AUNTY – Victor Ukanwata.
The untimely demise of our mother-in-law shocked us like electricity. As we prepared to mark another birthday with her, the uninvited visitor showed up and, in a tidal manner, swept away our mother and grandmother into the glassy sea in the great beyond. Candidly, our in-law is asleep, not dead. In her lifetime, she lived an exemplary life. As a Christian, she was the epitome of rectitude, peace, love, and unity. As a civil servant, she exhibited honesty, discipline, hard work, devotion to duty, and teamwork. As a wife, she embodied fidelity, care, understanding, and reverence to her husband bringing the virtues to bear in the upbringing of her beloved children, one of whom is in our family. Death, as we know, is a leveler. It knocks on the door of the rich and the poor, the good and the bad people. When it knocked on her door and flighted with her, we cannot question God who has the ultimate power to give and to take away. However, we are consoled by the immutable words of Jack Thorne who writes "Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” Though she has left for the celestial abode, we strongly believe that she has gone early to prepare a better place for us so that on the resurrection day, we shall sing hallelujah together. Adieu, our mother-in-law! Adieu, great woman of God! - Pastor Lawrence Umo on behalf of The Umo's Family.
Aunty you were an integral part of our family. You were a family-oriented person always present and supportive during any family occasion either big or small. Thanks for your constant care towards us especially our Mom. You played a very supportive role and thanks for all the prayers. You will be greatly missed. May your soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Bola, Jackie, Seyi, and Seun.
On behalf of the Dennis + Benjamin Ujubuoñu family of Ukpor in Anambra State, we commiserate with the Olubowale family on the transition to glory of their wife and mother, our special in-law, Mummy Ebunoluwa. She was special to us in countless ways. Mama was a social and filial bridge builder, who tirelessly cemented relationships with strong and enduring bond of love. Our marriage to her daughter, Laitan joined our families together. We must say that Mama proudly held the door of that relationship firmly open and hinged with the strong hands of faith, hope, and charity. Our prayer is that her deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ be rewarded with the eternal mercy of our Lord on resurrection day. May God grant you and us the strength to bear this loss. - Chief (Hon.) Maxwell Ezinna Ujubuoñu (Ezeana Igiligi Ukpor). For the Family.
My tributes to my Dear Mum: Mum, thank you for your love, care, and kindness. You devoted your entire life to serving humanity. You showed me what a true mother should be. Dear Mum, you stood in the gap for me when things were tough for me growing up. You impacted and shaped my life and focus through your counsel and goodwill. My plan was to make this coming Christmas a special one after your 70th birthday. Myself and family will forever miss you, Mum. May you continue to rest in the bossom of your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! - Dare Olubowale.
A mother like no other, it is difficult to believe that you are gone. The little time we spent together was filled with love and memories. You gave me hope and showed me love unconditionally. My last moment with you was a testimony of how close you are to God. Thank you, mother. Continue to rest in the bosom of God. - Edet
Aburo mi Owon. You left so soon and unexpectedly. I sent someone to you on that Sunday, not knowing that you are enjoying with your creator. A child of God indeed! I am short of words. You were very generous, compassionate and a joyful person. I feel lucky and grateful to God to have handed over the Baton of Captainship of Bahm Girls' Brigade to you and also had you as my Secretary when I was the Commandant of District 5 for Girls Brigade Lagos State. I wish I could have seen you more. You will be missed but remember I love you until we meet to part no more. Remember your children for good. - Anike Lufadeju -1st Captain Emeritus Girls Brigade Bahm Church.
TRIBUTES TO A DEAR SISTER AND AS A GIRLS' BRIGADE CAPTAIN -
Iyabode Olubowale. A born Youth leader. Disciplined Disciplinarian. Honest, Devoted, Dedicated unassuming. A Captain of exemplary character, a good role model. Never saw Iyabo got annoyed or express annoyance with anyone. A woman many wished as a wife and children as mother. Energetic and resourceful as a civil servant in the Ministry of Youth, very dear to her colleagues and superiors. Iku ni opin ohun gbogbo. Ti o ba de orun ki Adetunji Adeniyi. Isaac Olu Enitilo aka Irene. Biodun Sangosanya ati gbogbo awon ologun kristi ti won ti sun. Sleep peacefully in the bosom of your creator. - Sir Fessy -One Family Bahm Brigades.
TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM OF UNCOMMON KINDNESS*
Auntie, Indeed the memory of the just is blessed, You were a mother in Zion and a woman of great virtue of uncommon kindness and love. Your legacy of kindness and love of which I am a beneficiary will live surely forever. The pain of your unexpected demise is eased with our hope of seeing you again at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ - 1Thessalonians 4:13-15. Rest in peace ‘Auntie’ till we meet at the marriage supper of the lamb - Revelations 19:9. - Taiwo Kayode, Birmingham: UK.
TRIBUTES TO OUR GIRLS' BRIGADE CAPTAIN EMERITUS - MRS EBUNOLUWA IYABODE OLUBOWALE
Humm, A Reliant, Industrious, Cheerful Mother, Aunty, and a Good Leader is gone...
She is gone to be with her Creator, no doubt your passage was peaceful but very shocking.
Surely, the death of a righteous (Numbers 23:10). Still yet to believe you are no more as so many things had been left undone... Your plans for restructuring the Brigades plans to have a reconciliation meeting, plans to resolve issues, and make peace amongst the rank and file of the Bahm Brigades. All these were left unaccomplished. You were a counsellor, a good listener, and a peacemaker. Your leadership qualities as a Girls' Brigade Captain were worthy of emulation.
You taught us as young girls the method of baking, sewing, and other etiquettes. Quite a perfectionist, you led by example. We bless God for all we learnt from you. You ensured we are well informed of relevant developments within the Girls' Brigade both State and the District and you made sure we are alive to our responsibilities. A woman who was unique in all aspects. thoughtful, caring, and full of wisdom. Your good and kind nature never went unnoticed. You scolded us with love, you were a true intercessor and disciplinarian. You were the inaugural Secretary of the Girls' Brigade District 5 and your commitment is worthy of emulation for the younger generation. You accepted additional responsibility without complaints.
Despite all the insults during the cause of discharging your duties, you were Steadfast, you seeked, you served and follow Christ. A true mother, a mentor, a caregiver, a home builder, and a lover of children. We are grateful for the love and care you bestowed on us during and after your retirement from the Girls' Brigade as a Captain. We love you and will miss you greatly. As you join the saint triumphant, we bid you fare- thee- well our dear mummy and our Aunty Iyabo. Sleep well. Courtesy - The Boys' Brigade 3rd Surulere and Girls Brigade 1st Surulere.
TRIBUTES TO MY DEAR "AUNTY IYABO" MRS EBUNOLUWA IYABODE OLUBOWALE
Death...an inevitable occurrence we can only wish not to happen to our loved ones. My Aunty Iyabo, A loving mother and Grandmother. I met you closely in 1980 when I came back fully into the Brigade after leaving the boarding school. Although our parts had crossed severally in the Sunday school and also you were a Lay Reader in the “Big Church” as we used to refer to then. As youngsters, we were always looking forward to your sermon, and one of it remains in my memory to date... your story which ends with " Ma wò mi koja ibi, emi o wo baba mi koja mosalasi" Meaning –“don't drag me past this spot, I never dragged my father past the mosque” this was one of your beautiful story for us as children during our Ikore Omode in 1981. The lesson in the story teaches us that whatever we do to our parents surely our children will surpass it, be it good or bad. A good lesson for us all then that we should be obedient and respect our parents and elders.
It saddens me I had to pen this down at this time, not any time would have been better though, but would rather not be doing it now. The news of your death came as a rude shock and definitely a bitter pill to swallow. Even as I write this, I fight back tears reminiscing on when you told me in 2007 that you will be retiring from Active Brigade activities both as Captain and Secretary of GB District 5. I never had the premonition you will be handing over to me until the PCC pronounced me as the Proposed Captain/ District Secretary. The church paid for my training there and then. The post of a Proposed Captain I held till 2012, but could not the installed because of my refusal to continue due to the tragedy that befall my family in 2010. I lost my younger brother Kunle who was to take up also as B.B Captain from late Mr Isaac Enitilo. Both of you our B.B and G B Captain Emeritus were of blessed memory within a space of 11 months. So so sad. I am Sorry, I failed you by not taking up that position as you expected, you blamed me for the shortcomings we are experiencing now. You have a heart and you forgive easily. Thank you, you told me your mind and forgave me before your passing. Ask me a woman of Virtue.
A woman with a strong faith in her God. A pleasant dutiful Woman. A diligent and resourceful woman. A dedicated unassuming woman she is “Mrs. Ebunoluwa Iyabode Olubowale”. She was well-liked by all she came in contact with because of her friendly disposition towards people. She called my daughter "My Princess" I can’t remember if she ever knew or call her by her real name. A loving mother. It will be sufficient to say she lived a life worthy of emulation in the Brigade Family, her Society ACF, the Church of God (Bahm), One Family Bahm Brigades, and the Anchortown family including those of us whose lives have been imparted for the number of years. To God be the Glory for her life of faith and Ministry to humanity.
Aunty Iyabo is a blessing to her generation and a mother to many. No doubt she lived a fulfilled life. Your legacies will forever stand, because you wore many hats in the roles you played. you were caring, kind, honest, disciplined, and loving and your incredible sense of humour would not be forgotten in a hurry. Whom will I run to again when I needed advice? Aunty Iyabo! Mummy Olubowale!! I can’t forget you, the prayers you generously rendered to me, and your words of encouragement. Alas, the wicked hand of death has taken you a virtuous woman away from us. We take solace in the fact that you are resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A true daughter of the most high. I will miss you greatly my Mentor. Forever you remain in my heart. Goodnight! Goodnight!! Goodnight!!! - Bose Falana (Nee Oyetoro).
Aunty Olubowale,
A dear sister, she is kind-hearted and loving. Her dedication to God's work, discipline, and self-control is worthy of emulation. Aunty Olubowale was a compassionate sister and mentor, who go above and beyond for family and friends. I recall in the early days of my appointment as the Girls Brigade
Captain, (as her immediate successor), she was always there to support and guide us, including coming all the way to my store to hand over her brigade uniforms and Apparel for my use. She will forever remain in my heart; I pray that she will continue to rest in peace and in the blossom of our Lord.
Oliwaya Omobolanle -Girls Brigade Captain – Emeritus (BAHM Church)
Aunty Iyabo, big mummy, how can I forget you growing up together- the most beautiful, disciplined, industrious and God fearing girl of St. BERNADINE Girls COLLEGE Oyo in the 60s, popularly referred to as Omo senbelendi. You will be greatly missed by all at Oyo. RIP.
– ALHAJI Olayinka Bello (For Bello Family)
GOOD night big mummy Ebunoluwa Iyabode Olubowale rest in the bosom of your Lord. The Lord will reward your children for all your labour of love. My landlady that became my mum, and grand mum to my children. She picked them up from school, fed them, and did homework with them. She was my son’s confidant in childhood 😊, they discussed endlessly, and I wondered what they talked about from age 5 years till secondary school. She took charge of supervision of the catering at my daughter’s wedding effortlessly. So amiable, sincere & loving. An inspiring woman of inestimable value
– Mrs. Eletu.