•What Top Celebrities Said About Her
Wednesday, 11th November, 2020, family, friends and associates of both Ibrahim and Falade families came together to pay their last respect to the wife of late construction giant, Alhaji Oyedele Ibrahim popularly known as ‘Inaolaji’, Chief (Mrs) Ronke Ibrahim. It was a Service of Songs in honour of the deceased.
The program, held at Hall of Grace, Jogor Events Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road (old Liberty Road), Ibadan, had in attendance top dignitaries from all walks of life. It was indeed a celebration of short but a life well spent of late Ronke Inaolaji as she was fondly called in her lifetime. Who died at age 59.
After the Ibadan program, there was also a Funeral Service for the deceased at Church of Nigeria-Anglican Communion, Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, 33, Imola Street, Owo, Ondo State. Interment followed immediately after the service. There was no reception of any kind.
Chief (Mrs) Ronke Ibrahim (Inaolaji), it would be recalled, died on Sunday 18 October, 2020, at 59, six months after her husband’s death. She was a good wife, mother and grandmother.
Like the husband, Ronke’s memories will also linger for a long time on the minds of those who knew her and those whose lives she was able to touch positively. It won’t be out of place then to say that she meant different things to different people.
To some, she was a mother, a good wife and a role model. While some saw in her a good friend and a cheerful giver. She was said to be a very compassionate woman with a heart of gold. She was not only a pillar of support to her husband, but also to friends, relatives and people generally. In fact, one thing many have also testified to about late Ronke Ibrahim was her humility. Despite her beauty (she was tall, astonishingly beautiful, stylish and classy) and being married to a very wealthy man, she was humble to a fault.
No wonder many took their times to send in their tributes to an on-line platform (https://ibironkeibrahim.com) created for people to share their beautiful memories and to celebrate the life and times of Chief (Mrs) Ibironke Modupe Ibrahim (Nee Falade).
The tributes are just too numerous, so much that even after the burial, people are still sending their tributes. They include her family, friends, associates, as well as school mates and childhood friends. They all have different stories to tell about Ronke Inaolaji.
Below are some of the touching tributes and what some celebrities said about Ronke Ibrahim.
TRANSITION MOST PAINFUL
“Nothing approximates a pain most excruciating than an unpleasant exigency which dictates that an elder must pay tributes to a departed younger relation. The fond memories of a past spent in mutual adoration, reverence and service, relived by the suddenness of this transition, make the sad event very debilitating.
It is very difficult to stick to the grammatical correctness which insists on references to the dead in the past. How easy is it for anyone to readily adjust to this shattering news? Where is that person who is indeed able to control deep emotions when an old but beloved personality departs, let alone a young, beautiful being, known from birth, nurtured with deep love extended to decent persons? How does one bear this crude jolt? How does a person in deep mourning console others?
RONKE: the news of your passing is too devastating. I knew this effervescent, beautiful, loving and diligent lady from birth. She and I share a particularly affectionate relationship in spite of blood ties. She served as a bride’s maid during my wedding with my wife, Betty. We maintained very close contacts till the end. I was in touch with her during her sojourn in England when Covid-19 pandemic was on a high pitch. It was during her stay that her husband Alhaji Ibrahim Inaolaji passed on. Little did I suspect she was going to join him soon. I spoke with her on her sick bed at UCH Ibadan two days before she passed. She radiated peace, love and sufficient understanding of the human condition. She was a great friend.
As I mourn a deserving relation, whose sun set at noon, my deepest condolences go to the immediate family. I know how difficult this sad experience will be to her children. I enjoin them to take solace in the knowledge that she lived well and was loved by us all. There is nothing anyone can do other than to submit, completely, to the will of the Almighty. This cut is too deep, no doubt. It will take almost forever to heal. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo State.
“Ibironke came, delivered her messages from God to her parents, children, loved ones and went back to her creator with no farewell notice of her departure from this world. Her death is Untimely to us that knew her but perfect by the Allmighty. Painful as it is , our solace is her caring nature, simplicity, passion for the underprivileged and fear of God. May Ibironke ‘s children and all the loved ones that she has left behind without a hint of a goodbye continue to receive the favour of God as she rests in peace.” -Prof. Taoheed Adedoja.
“Ibironke, we members of Xt’s School Alumni Association Ibadan Branch still find it difficult to believe that you are no longer with us.This is a most painful loss..May the Lord grant the immediate and the extended family as well as the Xt’s School family the fortitude to bear the loss.”-Col. Abayomi Falodun (Rtd).
“I first met Mrs. Ronke Ibrahim, when she brought her first son, Goroye to my school, The Vale College. Goroye later became the Headboy of his set, and one of the leading lights among my Alumni.
Goroye’s mum was a real Mother Hen- very protective and supportive of her children-that similarity between us drew me closer to her. After Goroye left my school and went to university abroad, we kept up the friendship. Our sons were in Nigeria Law School together in Abuja and Lagos and that brought us even closer.
Goroye’s mum loved her husband, parents, children and granddaughter fiercely and unconditionally. She also loved her God. Goroye’s call to Bar was marked with a thanksgiving service, so was her mum’s birthday. Incidentally, she invited me to supervise the cake cutting at her late mum’s 70th birthday party. I attended her 50th birthday, Goroye’s wedding and Nade’s christening and her mum’s funeral. She was extremely humble and very respectful. She raised her children very well and each of them have succeeded in their various career pursuits. How I wish she had lived longer to enjoy the fruits of her labour! However, we cannot and must not question God. We bless God for the life of Mrs. Ronke Ibrahim nee Falade, though short but extremely impactful life. Oku olomo Ki I sun- we believe God will comfort Goroye, Omotola, Nade, Bolanle and Junior. He will provide for them and they will never lack any good thing, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Goodnight my friend, sister and an exemplary mother. Rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon you, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”-Funsho Adegbola.
When I met you many years ago through Akin your cousin, I found you a warm, ebullient, nice person. Late in the night that it was, we jelled neither of us judging. I’ve kept a warm torch in my mind for you since then, and each time we met we picked up wherever we left off. We met again at your Aunty’s 80th birthday a couple of years ago, and so it was again. As you travel on from this life to the next, go in peace my sister. God speed. Rest in perfect peace.
May God grant the children the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. They will miss you so much.You surely will be sorely missed!”- Chief (Ms) Tolu Ighodalo.
My dear Alhaja Ronke, as I always call you, it’s still a rude shock that you just left like that. We spoke, yes we spoke barely 2 weeks before your demise. We spoke at length, we prayed together and I promised to come and check up on you when I’m back from Lagos. I arrived Ibadan on Saturday, Farouq called me on Sunday morning to tell me……. uhmmmm! So sweet so humble, our children brought us together. Baba has always been like a father to my husband and I, and I fondly refer to you as ‘the true wife of her husband’, but our children Jimoh Jnr and Farouq actually cemented our friendship. I’m consoled with the fact that you lived a good life and made a success of the children you’ve left behind. It’s painful though, cos our joy would have been to witness many more successes of our children and grandchildren. We wish, we plan, we pray, but God also plans and God is the Best of all planners. He knows Best.
My special prayer is that The Lord will grant the children the strength to bear the lose. May God forgive your shortcomings, bless you with the coolness of the grave and grant you eternal rest. It’s my believe that you and Baba must have seen each other by now. May you both enjoy eternal rest. Amin.”- Mrs. Z.A ‘Folake Akanbi.
“You lived a short but very exemplary life. You meant everything good to everyone that was opportuned to know you and relate with you. You were unassuming but highly motivating, encouraging and loving. Inspite of our relationship as in-laws and relative elderliness, I still refer to you as mummy because of the uncommon virtues of motherhood which you epitomise. I pray that Goroye, Bolanle and Junior will be endowed by God with the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Sleep on and sleep well ‘Mummy ‘ until that day when Allah will gather all of us together and we possibly meet to part no more. May your loving and gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”- Hon. Justice Mashud Abass (in-law).
“ I find it extremely difficult to think of Ronke in the past tense.
I received the news with great shock. Totally unbelievable!!!Of course difficult for me to believe. We had spoken extensively backwards forward when she was in England. We were to meet and as usual gist about virtually everything under the sun. I didn’t know she was I’ll! Again unusual considering our closeness. Ronke was not a friend but a sister. We had 38 years of sisterhood.
What gives me great satisfaction is the fact that she left behind very capable and responsible children. She gave her children her time and love.
To say that I am missing Ronke is an understatement. A sister, A friend
A very very dependable ally
May the Lord grant you peace and eternal rest. You will always be in a special place in my heart.”- Hon. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.
“I still can’t find the right words. I promise to let my son “Asiwaju “ as you fondly call him , to know how beautiful your soul is and how much you loved him , how much you loved everyone around you and how luck my sister Omotola is to have a second mother as sweet as you . To know you is to love you . Rest well mummy.”-Dr. Binta Abass
“Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I felt when I received the news of your untimely death.
Your death was sudden and very painful indeed, but we thank God for a life well spent. Your life was exemplary, interesting and unforgettable in many ways, your special way of calling me, “My Gboli” or “My Faya”. You were a wonderful and treasured woman.
Your care for my dad, hmmmmm, You did a great job, God bless you for that. As if you knew your sojourn here was a short while, I am very grateful you took care of my dad and the love to the entire family. Thanks for all you did.
Continue to sleep on sweetly in the bosom of our Lord, till we meet to part no more.”- Gbolahan Ibrahim (Faya).
“Ibironke Modupe my very dear friend for over four decades. Our journey began in 1973 at Christ School Ado Ekiti. We were in the same hostel Dallimore house.
We played, studied, play pranks, gist, shared great dreams together.
Ronke you were a good listener to me, your counsel on the very germane matter is always beyond me. Ronke you were beautiful inside out, selfless, caring. No mile was too long for you to go for friendship. You were always there for people. Ibironke my friend of inestimable value. Your sudden departure hit me below the belt. Our last plan of spending a week in Ekiti to relax and catch on missed gist. Alas you are gone.
Iku Iba gbowo a ba fun lowo, iku i ba gberan a ba ragbo fun. Ibironke omo olowo made sun re o. Adieu Adieu Adieu my beloved.”- Modupeola Owolabi.
“Aunty mi,
You were a wonderful, reliable and humble person and I count it an honor to have been close to you.
You lived short but impactful life and I pray the Angels receive you well.
Our memories together are specially engraved in my heart and I pray God forgive your sins and grant you Aljantu Firdaus(Amen). May Almighty Allah comfort we, your loved ones. Rest well my beautiful aunty till we meet to part no more.”-Omoba Oyeniyi Oyewale Matanmi.
“This still feels like a terrible dream. Thank you for taking care of my late dad (your late husband) sometimes at the detriment of your health. Thank you for taking care of me and my brothers Adegoroye, Jimoh Jnr and my sister Bolanle. Thank you for the love you showed me and my family. Thank you for your listening ear. In your own way you always tried the best you could and when the best was not enough you tried harder. I remember my wedding you went far and beyond because you saw it as your sons wedding. Thank you for the memories. This is probably the last thing I would have ever thought I would type this year, rest well Mum. You were loved but God loves you more. Please greet Dad.”-Abiola W. Ibrahim.
“Ronke (Mama Adegoroye) as I fondly called her. A woman with the heart of gold! I never knew the last time I spoke with you in London will be the last! You were generous to a fault. I thank you for all your love . You will be sorely missed! But I know God will protect your seed and they will continue to grow in to a mustard tree by God’s grace. May your beautiful soul rest in the bosom of Jesus Christ Amen.”- Debola Sosanya (Adegoroye’s Aunty).
“Ronke, my friend confidant God almighty will continue to grant you internal rest and forgive you all shortcomings and console all of us you left behind and the forthitude to bear the lost .Adieu Omo olowo mode sun re,odigba.”-Alhaja Alake Serifat (Nee Balogun).
“You where a beautiful woman. You came to this world ,i believe you saw and you were a good woman most especially to your children .You gave them the very best of life. I appreciate you for that. You cared for my father to the best of your ability I equally thank you for that. The entire Ibrahim family will miss you and would never forget you because you are a part of our history. God grant you eternal rest. You fought and won the battle of life .Sleep on and in the boss on of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ma junior like I call you sleep on.”-Moji Ibrahim.
“Our First Contact with the Ibrahim family was through your late husband, Chief (Alh) Inaolaji Ibrahim. We were priviledged to meet your lovely soul through him and since then, you related with us like one of yours.
You supported Alhaji in his quest to be of valuable support to the poor and needlessly visually impaired individuals in Osun State. You were such a gentle, compassionate, understanding and caring woman. You were a mother, friend, confidant and supporter of the Eye outreach team of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The news of your death came to us as a big blow. How we wish, it were all a dream! Ibironke, you left a huge vacuum. We will always miss you. Adieu.”-Community Eye Outreach, UCH, Ibadan.
“I am short for words. I still believe this is a dream and that when I wake up you would be here with us. But God knows best. I am grateful for having such a rare gem like you in my life and I will forever cherish the memories and moments we had. Rest in perfect peace ma.”-Lolade Falade.
“I really don’t have the right words to express how I feel because a huge part of me has not been able to process it yet. You were such a huge part of the family and always supported me however you could, from earlier this year with my entrepreneurship course to providing me with ‘bournvita’. Thank you for the countless gifts, calls and supportive messages. No one would ever be able to replace you and it feels to me like the family would never be the same. But I am trusting God to show us the way. Your packages are still with me because I was waiting to hand them personally over to you, and thank you, but to not be able to do that or see you again, with your signature red lipstick, has been too much to grasp. I’ll miss you and I love you but I’m afraid God loves you more. Continue to Rest In Peace Aunty.”-Kemi Falade.
– Dare Adeniran
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