By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
AHEAD of the final burial rites of Princess Esther Adefolakemi Arogunmasa, Dr Mrs Mosiforeba Adegbija and Rev’d Canon John Oluwaremilekun Olobayo have penned moments and views about the life and times of the Matriarch of the Arogunmasa Dynasty.
Stonix News had earlier reported that Princess Arogunmasa (Nee Ebajemito) joined her ancestors on Tuesday September 12, 2023 at a very ripe age of 107.
From right, Dr Mrs Adegbija, Mama Arogunmasa and Mrs Eunice Ojo, Mama’s first daughter
The centenarian, who was a princess from both Magongo and Ogori in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State, left behind worthwhile children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and several relatives both home and abroad.
Niece to the Matriarch, Dr Mrs Adegbija, in her allusive tributes and fond memories, described her as a mother and lover of all!
“We thank God Almighty, the Giver of life for the abundant life He allowed Mama Folake to enjoy. The Lord granted her a full and unconditionally long life.
“I had a memory of her as being a free and open-minded personality. She was very free with all the family members, including my own mother, Mama Juliana Iyemi (Nee Arogunmasa).
“Most of Mama Folake’s children went through Mama Iyemi to show her free-mindedness to her in-laws and others in the Arogunmasa family.
“At a point, she played the role of a mother to me, too. She was kind-hearted and gave herself up to serve her bedridden elder sister, who was visually impaired for many years before her passage.
“She had been a mother to some many other people’s children, even those she didn’t personally know, such as some of late Sister Olu’s children and her adopted children.
“My last encounter with her was in May 2023, and she was still hale and hearty and in high spirits, attending a coronation ceremony. I didn’t know that was the last time I would see her.
“May those of us still alive learn to number our days and apply our hearts to the wisdom of God. ADIEU, Mama Folake‼️‼️‼️”
On his part, Rev Canon Olobayo bore his experience with the departed centenarian, describing her as a woman of prayer.
Rev’d Canon Olobayo and Mama Folake
Hear him: “Tiya! Tiya, as I fondly called you, I am now left without a mother any more, but, indeed, God really answered your prayers as you said you didn’t want to disturb anyone that you are only looking unto the day your God would call you out of this sinful world. You said we should carry you to meet with your Saviour.
“Tiya (Our Mother), you prayed for me several times, telling me that I should go ahead and that nothing can stop me; you said Jesus is ahead and behind me and that my ways are open.
“Tiya, you are a mother indeed to me because of the way you always treated me as your biological son.
“Greet your younger sister, Princess Juliana Olobayo Ebajemito. Iya Oboro, Oseiyokuba, Omoke Ebajemito, Obinogben. Ujemisiye, Tigure.”
Stonix News gathered that after a family meeting that held at Ogori last weekend, October 19 and 20, 2023, have been slated for the final journey home of the centenarian popularly called Emam ‘EFolake.
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