Children of Mama Esther Bamidele Oyewole have extolled the virtues of their beloved late mother, who passed at the ripe age of 74 in Lagos State, describing her as a loving mother who came to this world, saw and conquered.
The late Mama Oyewole, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, was born on November 22, 1949, into the family of late Pa, Most Senior Apostle Oyewole and Mrs Funmilayo Dorcas Oyewole.
A grandmother of repute, Mama Oyewole, who is also popularly known as Adawa, in her lifetime was a socialite, described by her children as a trailblazer, who overcame numerous obstacles to lay a good foundation for her success and others.
She had her primary school education at St. Thomas’s Primary School Okega, Erusu Akoko in the then Western Region, now Ondo State, and attended African Modern School in Amon Erusu in 1965.
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Mama Oyewole began her journey into a successful business life when she moved to Lagos in the late 60s, beginning with a working experience with Perfecta Shoes, and thereafter, she went through practical training in catering services between 1972 and 1974.
In February 1976 she established her own restaurant business in the Ikeja area of Lagos State, covering Oregun, Shangisha, Ogba and Agindingbi.
Someone who came to Lagos with nothing later paved the way for her siblings to thrive. And though she had just a basic education, she saw the need for everyone around her to be educated.
Besides her business sense, Mama Adawa was a lover of the entertainment industry, where she rose to become a pillar and promoter of many upcoming musicians, theatre and drama groups — that was way back before the formation of Nollywood.
As an entertainment promoter, Mama was a staunch supporter of one of Nigeria’s foremost thespians, the late Adeyemi Josiah Afolayan, popularly known as the late Ade Love; the late Ogun Gabe, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Bello, Idowu Philips, a.k.a. Mama, and Sunday Omobolanle, a.k.a. Papi Luwe.
Above all, Mama Adawa was a devoted Christian, who loved God and the things of God. Until her death, she was the Patron of her Age Group Set in Aga-Erusu Akoko, Ondo State. May her soul rest in peace.
Tributes from Mama’s children
My dearest Mom,
She came!! She saw and She Conquered.
Mr Tope Ajisegbede
—
My mother was an inspiring soul, always there for all who came to her with their troubles.
Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made them feel important.
She was the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, family-orientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet.
I am going to miss you so much, Mum.
To the world, you were one person, but to me, you were the world.
You did not have much, but we always felt like we had everything.
You did not leave millions in your bank account, but you left a legacy worth much more.
You taught me love, patience and endurance. You taught me how to pray and lead by example.
You praised me whenever I did good and pointed out my mistakes with that gentle voice.
You encouraged me to know how to work hard.
I still remember your voice as you read me bedtime stories. Mother, you were the truest, dearest, more than a mother to me.
I called you a friend.
Mr Tunde Ajisegbede
—
Mum, Thank you for your love, care, support and prayers. I will miss hearing your voice. Thank you for the important decision you took while I was growing up, those decisions have helped shape my life in the right direction. Despite all the challenges life threw your way you were resilient resourcesful and determined.
All of us, your children, will forever admire your strength and perseverance.
Thank you for those lives you have impacted positively.
We love you.
Prince Adetunji Aderin (Son)
—
To my loving mother, thank you for always loving us despite our shortcomings.
Even though you are no longer here with us. We can still feel your love.
I will miss hearing your voice and your grandchildren will miss your sense of humor.
Those special memories of yours will always bring a smile.
Mummy, if only I could bring you back for a little while! Then we could sit and talk again! I listen to your voice messages everyday.
The fact that you are no longer here will always cause me pain.
Mum, you conquered the world, you fought a good battle and you won.
Iya Adawa, as I fondly called you, my mother! You were resourceful, resilient, optimistic and believed everything was going to be okay despite all you went through.
You came to Lagos with nothing, struggled, set up a business and brought your siblings including extended families and your chains of restaurants were a household name, a testament to your selflessness and resourcefulness.
We will forever admire your strength, perseverance, and love.
We are grateful to have lived lives that have been touched and nurtured by you.
Adieu mummy.
Princess Adetokunbo Towoba
—
Sweet mother,
Words can never be enough to describe the PAIN I feel about your passing.
You left us unexpectedly. I will miss you greatly Mom.
Your UNFLINCHING love towards us your children is out of this world.
You were always there for everyone.
You were the best mother a child could ask for.
I PERSONALLY MISS YOU, MOM. You were a mother INDEED. ABIYAMO TOOTO.
You always prayed for our success and you never let me down.
You have come, seen, conquered and we are so proud of you, ma.
Your glorious exit came as a shock to me but I know you have slept in the Lord. Your style is worthy of emulation.
You may have passed on, but, your memories will always live on within us.
Thank God for your sacrifices, prayers, care and concern, I know you are in a much better place right now.
No one on this earth can pray for me as you did.
Mummy,
Your lovely daughter,
Omotayo Olagbile
—
My dear Mum,
Your exit from this sinful world, came when we least expected it.
You were a pacesetter, thanks for all you did,
I give thanks to God for a life well spent.
We love you, but, God loves you most.
I will forever miss you.
Your son,
Tolu Adedoja
