•Read What They Said About Late Elder ADEBISI SOGUNRO
A few days back, the popular Sogunro Sisters in Lagos gave their beautiful mum, late elder (Mrs) Sarah Adebisi Sogunro (nee Onitiri) a befitting burial in Lagos. She died at age 77. Her death hit all her daughters as a big surprise because she wasn’t ill. She still woke up and was hale & hearty till she passed on peacefully. And because she has always left word that she be buried as soon as she dies, her daughters were left with little or no option than to promptly bury her about a week after she died. Her burial attracted a lot of important dignitaries, especially celebrity women who came in large number.
Because Joke Sogunro & her sisters were devastated by the shock of Mama’s death, they couldn’t reach out to all their friends. They had to hurriedly plan the burial, all within a few days and those who heard about the passing of Mama kept visiting all the sisters, especially Joke Sogunro, whose Lagos home became a mecca of sorts, as guests visited her everyday for one week. And trust her, she hosted all those who came to commiserate with she and her sisters.
The family held a Wake Keep on her behalf on Thursday 2nd September, 2021 and a Funeral Service followed the next day, Friday 3rd September 2021 at the African Church Arch Cathedral Bethel on Broad Street, Lagos.
Late Mama Sarah Muinat Adebisi Sogunro who gave up the ghost on Thursday, August 26, 2021 after a beautiful life well spent was born on April 25, 1944 in Lagos to the illustrious family of ‘Pa Thompson Aderibigbe Ishola Onitiri’ popularly called ‘Master’ by all in Olowogbowo Area of Lagos Island and Alhaja Kuburat Ogundimu nee Saba from Isale Eko, Lagos Island. The maternal grandfather of the deceased, Late Chief Saba of Lagos, Chief Aminu Akindele Agbede was a warrior Chief and Head of Abagbon Chieftaincy group in Isale Eko, Lagos. The Onitiri family is one of the respectable families in Lagos Island.
The deceased was a well comported and devoted Christian till her demise. She was also a fantastic cook and a very homely woman. Mama was very well loved by all, including family members, friends and associates in their hundreds.
She was taken to Ghana at her early years by her paternal Aunty, Iya Ankara and had her High School Education there at the famous Achimota College Accra, Ghana. After her Secondar School Education, she relocated back to Lagos and lived at her family house at Hutonu Street in Elegbata / Balogun Area of in Lagos Island.
She started her work career as a clerk at Leventis Stores, a popular Store in Lagos then. She was industrious, focused and entrepreneurial. She partnered with her late husband, Pa Emmuanuel Bashiru.
Sogunro in the Hotel and Hospitality Business and Jewellery Manufacturing, Real Estate Construction, Importation etc. They opened the first and the biggest hotel, PARADISE HOTEL AND CINEMA and PARADISCOS Club in Itire/lkate area of Surulere in the year 1970. The demands of her family and her Passion for fashion and beauty led her to seek knowledge and training as a Beautician at Mahogany fashion and Beauty school, Isolo, Lagos. She later opened the first and the biggest Spa and Beauty Parlor in Itire/Ikate, Surulere known as Glamour beauty and Spa Saloon. Her love for fashion and beauty evidently rubbed off on her children.
She was a lover of children. She mentored and cared for several children within her environment and was a motherto all. She was a strong believer and an active member of her Church, Bethel African Church , Broad Street, Lagos. She was the Treasurer of Moboluwaduro until her demise. She is survived by children, grandchildren, great grand children and siblings. Below are the tributes of her daughters.
THE BIBLE SAID
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I believe she is already resting on the right hand of the Most High. I don’t know what to say, but continue paying for her and all of us that she left behind. RIP Mother of all Girls. Love you in my own ways.
–Lande Oluwa
Iya Joke, my heart is truly heavy with sadness. Who will take care of me and my family now? Who will stay up late till I get home? Who will sit with me and advise me, debate on news and current affairs? Who will continuously provide me with support? You have left me but your kindness and care will always guide me through. Your words of wisdom are evergreen. All the beautiful memories i have of you will forever be cherished. You were honest, loving, kind and considerate. You showed great care even to non family members and they always sing your praises.
Sweet Mother, you were a powerful inspiration to us all growing up, you taught us kindness, respect, humility, loyalty and to be God fearing. These attributes have continued to live in us all and I have embedded it in my children, so they can also live through your spirit.
You were a strong wife, you held your family together and was indeed the pillar of the SOGUNRO household, you allowed me to birth Soggy’s Couture under your tutelage and showed me how to become a brilliant businesswoman. You always pushed me to never backdown on my dreams and I’m entirely grateful to you for being my mother. You were an icon, a matriarch to all and a stern believer of Christ. You taught me to be a strong servant of God. To look like God, to be like God and each moment of my life, I will continue to follow your lead. I hope you are resting well, I hope you’re in a happier place and I hope you continueto guide me and protect me. I love you mummy.
–Joke Sogunro Umah
My mom calls me Iya dola in a special most loving way. 010 wo otun mi (my right-hand person to sure), always happily saying Iya dola, lam purposely telling you all these, soyou can be my backbone. My representative … Ineverthoughtyou will leave me so soon. It never crossed my mind. I still thought you had at least 10 or 15 more years. But alas’ you are gone! Hmmmmm Even before your sudden journey we still spoke thrice on same day. So your passage is still so shocking! Who will gist with me now? Who will pray for me daily? Who will show concern about everything that concerns me? Who will I share what we share with now? To say l will miss you everyday is an absolute understatement!
Iya mi to sure sun re oooooh
Bola Disu (lya Dola)
IN LOVING MEMORY OF A SPECIAL MUM
You were the mosttrulywonderful mum, A treasure that can never be replaced. You nurtured me with tender love and supported me in every single way that you could with no doubt. One in a million, I will never forget the precious times we shared, … memories of you I will forever and always cherish for your children, grandchildren, great-grandma children and everyone else around you.
Mum … our special bond was priceless and you were my dearest friend, I never and will never doubt your compassion right until the very end. Your love meant the world to me, I miss you dearly, Yourwarmth so so gentle and kind. Your spirit will live on forever in my heart and in my mind. Rest in peace MAAMI SARAH ADEBISI MUNIAT SOGUNRO.
From your previous daughter …
Yeye Oluwatoyin
Iya mi Olabisi, Alonje nile lojo ebi pami; Alomi nile lojo oungbe gbe mi, Ta ni ml 0 ba yin bi ko se iya mi olabisi.
Mother you were the truest, dearest, more than a mother to me. I called you a friend, sister, cousin and also dad when I lost dad. You stood alone for after dad passed on, and only God knows the inner strength you had to come through with my siblings and I. You were precious a gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways, your strength and smile even on dark days made me realise I had an angel beside me. Mother you heard God’s whisper, calling you home, you did not want to leave without cooking for me so you did and passed on. Your death took away joy from our lives but we will hold on to the beautiful memories of times spent with you.Adieu Mother!
–Kafila Sogunro
Glaaama Glaaama. That’s what I call you. Hmmm I am still in shock and can’t imagine now how heartbroken I am because nothing breaks my heart more than having a world that no longer has you. To the world now I will be fine but when I am alone I am the REAL me I’m heartbroken and I will miss you dearly. You were a super mother. You nurtured me to be the woman I am today. Hmmm you were loving caring and a disciplinarian, how can I forget how your fashion sense rubbed off on all of us. I don’t have enough and the right words to describe you now my dear mother. Rest on a sweet mother. Love you always.
–Mrs. Anthonia Sogunro Ayuba
Lot of things I do that get me endeared to people, I got the tutelage from you Maami. I gave a testimonial of you to the youth of my church of how lovinglyyou wouldn’t spare the rod and how a fair judge you are. The overseer of my church always use an attribute of you that I told him in his message and I quote I KNOW A WOMAN IN SURULERE THAT WILL SCOLD HER RICH CHILDREN THAT IF YOU WILL NOT HARKEN TO THE TRUTH 1M TELliNG YOU KEEP WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO GNE ME.
That I don’t visit friends nor attend parties was coined from your words of wisdom “ jeki koin koin
ile e mata e nidi”( let your home beyourcomfortzone). Watching you cook ti relessly to feed the whol e of ITIRE com mu nity without any olopo( caterer) made me a fantastic cook. Maami you will be missed, BIS BIS in your husbands voice. Agbabisi omo master sun re 000000 .
–Mess Habeeb O[a- Tyron Sogunro
Maami, we may have lost you but heaven gained you. How do I say goodbye to you. How do I live without you You loved me endlessly andjealously. Iwasyourbaby, you cared for me like your new born baby. Your love for us was unconditional, always thoughtful and ever present. You sacrificed your life,
dedicated your entire time and your whole being to your family. You loved Dad so endlessly. You opened your home to al and sundr. You were an embodiment of humility, you taught us to be respectful, hardworking and content. I may never know what you wanted to say to me on your last. day, but I’m consoled by our last discussions and your advice to me was to hold on to the words of God and read my Bible daily .. Yourwords are golden mummy.
My dearest mother, my best friend, my prayer warrior, my intercessor, my gist partner; my’agboworin
mama’( Mobile bank) I miss you so much it hurts. Sleep well till we meet to part no more.
Osa bi Adebisi Iyami osi.
ADIEU ABIAMO TOOTO! SUN RE
–Aramide Sogunro
MummyMi
Iya Itire. Iya wa, Iya Sogunro, Abiamo toto. You r death is one of the greatest loses in life. My hea rt aches moment I thoug ht of you r death. Mama you are special. A beautiful Treasure to our whole entire family. Thank you for all your contribution towards all our success in life. Very grateful for your unending love, advice, And thoughtfulness.
I pray that memories of adorable mother you are, shall bring peace comfort and strength to all of us you left behind. Maami iya itire you will be missed beyond measures. Orun a da fun ee 00 iyaniwura.
Sun Re.!!!!
– Mrs YinkaAgoro
Dearest grandma, memories of my childhood visits to itire wouldn’t be complete without you. Your big warm hugs, sweet kisses and loving nature were always something to look forward to. The best part is that as I got older you remained the same. Always dear, loving, giving, warm and precious. I’m so half my babies were able to meet you and experience that love. You will be sorely and deeply missed by everyone that came in contact with you. Thank you for being the amazing matriarch of the sogunro family. For uniting and being there for everyone. Thank you for showing us grace, and style, fashion, and class. We loveyou! Rest in perfect peace grandma. Sun re!
– Zainab Agoro-Akintunde
Grandma, you were truly a special woman. I am terribly disheartened by your loss but your memories
will live forever in me. Thankyou foryourcare, advice, concern and prayers. I am forever thankful that
you are in a better place, resting and watching over us. Thank you for being our Grandma.
–Mohammed Umah
My grandma is someone I love so much, she’s caring, loving and prayerful, she’s ever looking young.
Anytime I called her, she will pray for me and even send voice message with prayer to me, i will miss
her and I pray may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, love you grandma.
–Olaide Lande (Grand-daughter)
Granma gone so soon. It breaks my heartthatl had soo much to tell you and show you butyou’re in a better place now. I know you see us from up there and I promise to always make you proud. Love and
miss you soo much.
–Waheed Shotonwa
Grandma, I’m deeply shocked and saddened by your loss. Will miss you, your presence, your advice and all your guidance. May God grant you eternal rest and peace of mind while he grants us the strength and courage to deal with this loss. We believe you’re in a better place watching over us all.
–Ajibola Disu
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