Glorious Exit: Foremost Educationist, Madam Olaiya, Laid to Rest in Ilesha

Ololade Adeyanju/

 

NewsmakersNG’s Editor-at-Large in Brazil, Mr Adeyinka Olaiya with his siblings and other family members bade a final farewell to their mother, one of Nigeria’s foremost educationists, Madam Christianah Aduke Olaiya, at the weekend.

Amid pomp and ceremony, Madam Olaiya who passed on to glory at 85 on September 15, 2018, was given a burial fit for a queen as mounted horses led her hearse to the final resting place at her residence in Ajanaku Estate, in Ilesa, Osun State.

She had spent over 60 years as a teacher, career mentor and educationist.

Starting with the wake keep at her residence on November 30 and the church service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Imo branch, on November 1, at Ilesa where the reception promptly followed at the Sambeatz hotel hall and place.

Adeyinka, who is also a Carnival artist, painter and illustrator in Brazil, told NewsmakersNG at the event: “This glamorous burial we did for her is of her merit as a mother and teacher. It is to appreciate the legacy she left behind for us all.”

Adeyinka’s elder brother, Mr Bola Olaiya, a foremost surveyor and valuer at Bola Olaiya and Co and the first son of the late Madam Olaiya said, “I am happy I did as I have promised my mum while she was alive, she deserves the best from me and from my siblings and also to everyone who knew her during her lifetime as a mother, teacher and mentor. To God be the glory.”

All the children of Madam Olaiya, including Adekunle and Adekemi, led various songs at the church service to thank God for a life well spent.

The event was graced by several officials from the Government House, in Kwara State.

Also in Ilesha to celebrate the life of Madam Olaiya were the NewsmakersNG promoters, Mr Dipo Kehinde and Mr Aderemi Ladigbolu as well many friends of Adeyinka, including the Head, Design Department at the Polytechnic Ibadan, Mr Ayodeji Odesanmi; top Nigerian Financial Analyst, Mr Olumide Awe, Ministers of Christ Gospel Apostolic Church, Lagos; the President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Port Harcourt chapter, Mr Ilesanmi Michael, Engineer Adekola Olaiya, Alex and Adetona Olaiya, Funmi Dogbajaye, Mr Tunde Cole, Sherifat Cole, Evangelist and Prophetess Odushile Bolanle Aina, the Olaleye families ‘Debis’,  Prince Adeniyi Adeniran, Olayiwola Ajayi, and Mrs Adeyinka Olaiya Dawodu.

Wives in the family, Mrs Folashade Olaiya and Mrs Omowunmi Awe Olaiya said, “Having a mother-in-law as Mama should be a dream to all wives. She was so caring and understanding. May her gentle soul Rest In Peace.”

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