By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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Isarun in lfedore Local government area of Ondo State, the home town of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun was agog at the weekend as notable people from all walks of life trooped to the community to bid his late mother, Chief (Mrs) Mary Asake Oleyelogun farewell.
Mary Asake Oleyelogun died at the age of 102 years.
It was indeed a celebration of life as people from different political divides set aside political differences to honour the Speaker. At the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was represented by Senator Femi Ojudu, while the Governor of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa led members of the State Executive Council and other political appointees to pay their last respect to the late matriarch.
Members of the All Progressives Congress as well, accompanied the State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin to the well attended event while present and past Speakers and lawmakers across the country, the state Acting Chief Judge and past Chief Judges, traditional rulers, religious leaders, chairmen of Local Governments among other dignitaries were not left behind.
In his sermon at CAC Oke-Aanu, Pastor Emmanuel Arowolo, who is the Ifedore Zonal Superintendent spoke on a topic: “You can’t live forever”, saying we are from the dust and dust we shall return, stressing that anyone who believes he would live forever is only deceiving him or herself irrespective of the post they hold.
“There are people who occupied offices but they are no longer there, either you like it or not, your seat will be vacant one day therefore, in anything you do, always remember this”.
The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo congratulated the Speaker and his sibling for succeeding their mother in good health.
Represented by Senator Femi Ojudu,the Vice President prayed for the children and families to also live to their prime age in success.
Governor Akeredolu described late Mrs Oleyelogun as a lucky mother who witnessed the progress and success of her children in her lifetime.
“I congratulate you for surviving your aged mother who had enjoyed the rare grace of living for a century and two years. To live up to 102 is a rare privilege. Nevertheless, there is always a sense of pain associated with loss, especially of one’s mother. The reality that we will never see them again until the resurrection morning is heartbreaking and depressing”.
“Nevertheless, your mother deserves to be celebrated not mourned. She did not only live long but lived a fulfilled life. In her lifetime, she witnessed as you climbed the political ladders and emerged the Speaker of our dear State House of Assembly. She felt the great joy of motherhood and died a fulfilled woman”.
Governor Akeredolu also described Mrs Asake as a woman who was devoted to the service of God and humanity.
The Asarun of Isarun, Oba Joseph Adebobola said late Mrs Asake impacted in her children’s lives and others in the community and her demise will be greatly felt.
The monarch therefore urged the Speaker and his family to take solace in God.
Also, the Ifedore Local Government Chairman, Alex Oladimeji noted that Late Mrs Asake was known to be a philanthropist, very considerate of others, wonderful and caring to all and sundry and lived a meaningful life.
Mrs. Christianah Adebowale, who is the first born of the deceased noted that her mother was an example to women in the society on how she lived a faithful life and served the Lord wholeheartedly.
“Despite the fact that she had no formal education, she was a disciplinarian, not in terms of beating but firm in guiding her children through the word of God and other areas based on her experience”.
The Speaker in his reaction, appreciated the Governor and his cabinet members and other guests who came to celebrate his mother with him, adding that death is inevitable as everyone will all embark on the eternal journey one day.
Oleyelogun added that no words could adequately quantify how magnificent his mother’s existence was and would always keep her in his heart.
Dignitaries who spoke at separate interviews said they were celebrating the exit of the late matriarch and not mourning as she lived a fulfilled life.
Guests were later entertained at St. Luke’s Anglican Primary School field, Isarun.
Deaconess Mary Asake was born on July 21, 1920 to the family of Pa Michael Ajilu of Ojumu Compound, ldasa Street, her mother was madam Aina Olamilotan from Adeyebi (Ojeere-Ewa) both parents were from lgbara -Odo ,Ekiti State. She was the second born of her parents’ four children.
She was married to late Mr Joseph Oyiyo and later married to Chief Oleyelogun Abifawaye from Isarun after the demise of her first husband in Igbara-Odo in Ekiti State.She was a devoted Christian who got baptised in 1981after she gave her life to Christ in 1972. She was ordained a deaconess years back and she was the Matron of CAC Oke-Aanu, lsarun district Choir.
A successful trader, she was survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in-laws and died on December 10, 2022.
