Family members, friends, church associates, and well-wishers gathered on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Okitipupa, Ondo State, to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Evangelist Patience Oketola Akinebehineje (Mrs. Iperepolu) during a well-attended memorial appreciation ceremony.
Stonix News, which was present at the event, observed an atmosphere filled with gratitude, heartfelt tributes, worship, and reflections as attendees honoured the memory of the late evangelist, who had already been laid to rest following her burial. The gathering was not a funeral service but a celebration of a life that many described as impactful, exemplary, and wholly devoted to God and humanity.
The memorial programme was held at 43 Oyesanmi Street, along Apostolic Primary School, behind Ola White Hotel, Lebi, Okitipupa, Ondo State, where relatives, church members, neighbours, friends, and well-wishers assembled to pay tribute to the deceased and celebrate her remarkable journey on earth.
Evangelist Patience Oketola, popularly known as Mrs. Iperepolu, passed away on June 18, 2026, at the age of 63, after a prolonged battle with illness.
A Life of Determination and Faith
Born in June 1963 in Igbisin Oloto, Ondo State, Evangelist Patience Oketola was the first child in her family and grew up displaying qualities of resilience, humility, and responsibility.
Despite financial challenges during her childhood, she worked tirelessly to fund her education before completing her primary and secondary education. She later became a successful trader and farmer, building a thriving palm oil business that earned her a reputation for honesty, diligence, and reliability.
She was married to Mr. Omoniyi Ezekiel Iperepolu, and their union was blessed with five children. Beyond her business achievements, she became widely known for her unwavering Christian faith and commitment to evangelism. After answering the call into ministry, she dedicated her life to preaching the Gospel across different parts of Nigeria, touching countless lives through prayer, encouragement, and acts of compassion.
Although she battled illness for over 13 years, she remained steadfast in her faith, never allowing her health challenges to weaken her love for God or her passion for serving others.
Family Expresses Heartfelt Appreciation
As part of the memorial celebration, the family expressed profound gratitude to everyone who stood by them throughout Evangelist Patience Oketola’s illness, passing, funeral, and burial.
In an appreciation message, they thanked those who supported them through prayers, words of comfort, visits, phone calls, financial assistance, gifts, and their physical presence during the difficult period.
The family also extended special appreciation to their church family, relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and everyone who travelled from far and near to honour the memory of their beloved mother. They described the overwhelming love and compassion shown to the family as a great source of strength and comfort.
According to the family, every act of kindness and support will remain unforgettable, as they prayed that God would richly bless everyone who stood with them during their time of grief.
A Legacy That Lives On
Evangelist Patience Oketola is remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, committed evangelist, hardworking entrepreneur, and compassionate woman whose life reflected genuine Christian values.
She is survived by her husband, five children, siblings, grandchildren, relatives, and numerous people whose lives were positively impacted by her faith, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving God.
Though she has departed this earthly life, attendees at the memorial agreed that her legacy of faith, hard work, integrity, and selfless service will continue to inspire generations to come.
Tributes From Children
Forever in My Heart, My Beloved Precious Mother
Who sat and watched my infant head,
When sleeping on the cradle bed.
In my next world, I will choose you over and over again as my mother.
The Holy Spirit told me you would rest, and I believe you are now resting peacefully in the arms of our Lord.
Your Oba Omo, as you fondly called me during our heart-to-heart mother-and-daughter conversations, is carrying a heart so heavy that it is still difficult to believe you are gone.
Even with your last breath, you were thinking of me. You kept calling my name and asking, “Is that Joke? How do I get out of this mess? Hen… Iye Joke!” Those words will remain with me forever.
Mummy mi, for thirteen years I prayed, fasted, and cried out to God to restore your health. For thirteen years, you were my number one prayer point. Yet God, in His infinite wisdom, knows best.
Saying “I love you” is an understatement.
I enjoyed having you in my life, but you never truly had the opportunity to enjoy all that I wished to do for you. O ma ṣe o.
You were my:
* Forever favourite human being
* Business tycoon
* Teacher
* Best cook
* Prayer warrior
* Evangelist
* Replica
* Beauty with brains
* Angel in human form
* True definition of integrity
* The giver of my life
* The giver of my birth
* The giver of my diastema
Your life was truly mystical—a testament that God is deep and His ways are beyond human understanding.
Grief is such a hard pill to swallow.
You loved education so much that while I was still in SS2 I wrote GCE at Morocco Comprehensive High School, Igbobi, Lagos, in 2002, you bought me a GCE registration form so I could sit for the examination early.
You always reminded me, “my name is Annah. It starts with ‘A’, not ‘H’.”
You often told me that your best subjects in secondary school were Literature and English—and indeed, they were. I still remember all the phonetics and English lessons you taught me.
You always told me that you graduated as the overall best student in your secondary school and encouraged me to strive to be the best academically.
After your passing, your brother confirmed everything you had told me. He said you always came first in your class, that you were the most beautiful girl in school, truly a beauty with brains. He also said you were an Alore—gifted in singing and deeply rooted in Christ.
No wonder you loved composing songs.
How could I ever forget the sweet songs you sang to me?
“Ajoky baby mi o, Oba Omo fẹ́sọ̀ má jó!”
You taught me to love God, to be independent, courageous, truthful, and prayerful. You didn’t just teach us with words—you led by example.
As children, you encouraged my younger brother and me to choose one day every week to fast. We chose every Tuesday, and we faithfully observed it.
One of your favourite sayings remains engraved in my heart:
“Ìbùkún Olúwa ni ń mú ni l’áyé láì fi làálà sí.”
Every moral lesson you taught me will remain with me forever.
They always called you “Iye Joke Olódodo.” You would say that even if someone pointed a gun at your head, you would still tell the truth without fear.
You insisted that my immediate younger brother must always call me Aunty, knowing fully well how stubborn he was. Whenever he refused, you would still ask me to clean up after him when he finished using the toilet. Looking back now, those little moments have become priceless memories.
Your life was truly mystical.
Your love, strength, wisdom, and kindness shaped the woman I have become. Your memory lives in my heart every single day.
Mummy, I am sorry.
For thirteen years I never stopped praying. I keep wondering if I should have done more—perhaps fasted for 200 days, prayed harder, or believed even more. Maybe then I could have kept you a little longer.
The day I lost you, and the day we laid you to rest, were the most terrifying days of my life.
I was shattered.
It felt as though my whole world had fallen apart.
The pain of losing you may never completely fade.
You will remain forever remembered and forever in my heart.
I take solace in God’s Word:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
The void you left behind is indescribable.
Some days I feel like I am coping, and the next day I cannot even explain what is happening inside me.
Until we meet again, my precious, beloved mother.
Rest peacefully in the everlasting arms of our Lord, Abiyamọ tootọ.
I will love you forever.
Your Oba Omo,
Ajoke Annah
In Loving Memory of My Mum,
Lady Prophetess and Evengelist OKETOLA IKUSAWE AKINBEHINJE
A woman of love, strength and faith.
You raised me and guided me, your memories remains in me forever. You gave me life and you gave me education.
Through every sacrifices, every prayers and every sleepless night, you made sure I had a future.
Because of you, I am who I am today.
You are not here to reap the fruit you laboured for but I am sure kama will locate who so ever architecture all that happened, Though your death came in a way we did not understand,your life time was full of meaning.
You were a fighter, a provider and the reason for my being intellectual. We may not have all the answers but we have your love, your sacrifices and your prayers to hold on to.
Dear Mum keep resting in the bosom of God Almighty till we meet again
Your son, Olumide.
A Tribute to My Beloved Mother
Dear Mummy,
Deep down in my heart, I feel so much pain whenever I remember that you have passed away. I never imagined I would lose you so soon. I thought we would still have many more years together, but God loved you most.
Mummy, I pray that all your wishes and prayers for me will come true. It breaks my heart that I was not able to be there to pay you my last respects.
No one can ever replace your love in my heart. You were the best mother in the world. Through you, I learned that prayer is the greatest strength in every situation. Thank you for the love, care, guidance, and values you instilled in me.
Though you are no longer with us, your memories will remain in my heart forever.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Modioluwamu Cares.
A Tribute to My Mom
Dear Mum,
I miss you so much, and I will never forget your last words and the heartfelt prayers you offered for all your children before you passed away. You prayed for each of us, from the firstborn to the lastborn, that we would never die young.
I will always remember your words to me: “Toluwalase, please be a good girl.”
Those words will remain in my heart for the rest of my life and will continue to guide me.
Mum, I love you so much, but God loves you even more. You were more precious than gold to me. It pains my heart that you did not stay long enough to enjoy the full fruits of your labour, but I am grateful for the love, care, and values you gave us.
Though you are no longer with us, your memories, prayers, and legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
Goodbye, Mum. Rest peacefully until we meet again.
Toluwalase
