•What They Will Miss About Princess MARTHA ARINADE ODUBEKUN @ 89
Princess (Mrs) Martha Arinade Odubekun (nee Odukoya), was a daughter of the late Olowu of Owu Ijebu, Oba Adegboyega the 2nd. She spent her early years in Owu before proceeding to secondary education. Having completed secondary education, she gained admission to teacher training college and on completing her training; she became a teacher at Sacred Heart School, Onikan Ibadan. She met her lovely husband, Mr Peter Ayodele Odubekun, through his friend, Mr BA Oduntan who incidentally was married to her sister, the late Mrs Olufunmilayo Oduntan. They got married on 18 December 1952.
In the early 1960s mummy and daddy moved to the United Kingdom when daddy took up an assignment with the Western Nigeria Office in London. While in the UK, mummy decided to retrain and went to, the then, Hendon College of Technology, where she studied Hotel Management and Catering. Soon after their return to Nigeria, she was employed with the Western Nigeria Government. Mummy worked with over 7 governors at the Government house both in the old Western State and in (the current) Ogun State. As a housekeeper, she was responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the State House. She was on duty during the 1966 coup and sadly witnessed when the late Governor Adekunle Fajuyi along with the then head of state, Major General Aguiyi Ironsi were led away.
In the newly formed Ogun State, she was responsible for the setting up and development of the State House. Having set up the State House, mummy was transferred to the General Hospital, Idi-Aba, where she was pivotal in transforming the catering department of the hospital. She was a pioneer board member of the then Ogun State Hotel, (now Radisson Hotel). Mummy retired in 1989. She worked quite closely with the following governors: Late General Adekunle Fajuyi Late General Adeyinka Adebayo Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi Major General David Jemibewon Brigadier Seidu Balogun Late Olabisi Onabanjo
Born into an Anglican family, she became a Catholic through marriage and committed herself completely to the faith for the rest of her life. Mummy was a lifelong member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Oke Padre, Ibadan where she actively participated as a churchwarden and was a member of different societies.
TRIBUTE TO MUM
Mummy, you heard God’s whisper calling you home, but you didn’t want to leave me! I saw your fight; you Joved me so much; you held me ti9ht until all your strength was gone. When you could no longer hold on, you finally gave your hand to God and slipped away quietly without saying goodbye … I shall ever salute you, Mum, all the days of my life because you’ve been there for me; always giving me all moral and financial support. God gave you to all of us. Being the best mum in the world, you taught me to never give up my dreams no matter how hard the storms might be … I will always miss you, dear mum …
–Oluwatosin Odubekun (Son)
Mummy was a caring and loving mother, not only to her children but to everybody around her. She was one special mother and the loss of her is felt deeply by many, even though she lived a full life. She was our rock and our go-to for everything. Her spirit and strength live on in each of us, in the lives that she touched and in all those who have been touched by the love, strength, conviction, wisdom, and beauty of her soul. Heaven gained the most righteous mother-in-law I ever had. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord … Goodbye Mama …. will continue to Love you always.
–Mrs. Tolulope Odubekun (Daughter – in -law)
TRIBUTE TO MUM
My mum and I always had a Tom & Jerry relationship which I find hilarious. Mum was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother too. She always fought for us openly and scolded us privately. She was tough but very kind and easy to forgive. She gave her best for all of us and now the time has come for her to rest. Go in peace mum you have earned your sleep. You will be sorely missed. Rest in perfect peace.
–Olufunmilayo Odubekun (Daughter)
TRIBUTE TO MUM
My dear mum, where do I start? We obviously go way back to when I was born 🙂 or even before then – which only you would know- and now you have gone. I remember you telling me about the times we shared in London, and even on the ship on the way to London – was it on the way there or back? I don’t remember and you, who would, are no longer here to give us a first-hand account. I also remember you telling me about how you insisted on me going to the primary school in Eleiyele, which gave me the educational foundation that served me well throughout my life and my professional career. I particularly remember on the way back from my wedding in Zaria, when we missed a flight and stayed overnight at a hotel in Kaduna, and you told me about your childhood and growing up and the special bond you shared with your late sister. My wife, Omolola, and our kids, Babatunde and Oluwatobi, can also talk about the interesting conversations you shared with them, and the wonderful memories of spending time together. I remember all these and much more. You told me many of these things time and again – so how could I forget? But as a good friend said, now I wish you were here to tell these stories again and again. So, please sleep the good sleep. We know that you have gone to join our dad and your siblings, whom you loved so dearly.
–Francis Olugbenga Odubekun (Son)
Mummy had the best sense of humour. For example, the little goat that escorted various gift items to my traditional introduction ceremony was nicely dressed in a frilly little bodysuit! I was amazed when-very early in our relationship-she showed me her secret stash of goodies, which we giggled over, along with her biting and hilarious social commentary. The latter was a result of her reading the daily print newspapers from cover to cover and distilling between the lines to uncover sharp insights on the state of the country. My mother-in-law had a longstanding love of knowledge which never ended even as her vision was compromised by age.
Mummy was also a culinary expert; she had hosted numerous glittering state banquets in her time, having cooked for heads of state and global leaders prior to retiring. I’m grateful that she patiently demonstrated to me her techniques for the best egusi soup ever among other delicacies!
She was adored by my late Aunty Martha (her I namesake ‘) as well as my late mother (Mrs. H. E. Omole) and the entire family; in fact, anyone who met “Maman Francis” came away enchanted and warmed by her personality and her effortless banter. In all these ways and more, Mummy demonstrated the meaning of Christian love. Her phone calls would end with a cheery: “I love you! Bye for now!” So, the promise of eternity is what makes that farewell somewhat comforting today. I thank God for your life, Mummy. And I love you. Bye …. for now!
Dr. (Mrs.) Omolola Odubekun (Daughter-in-Law)
TRIBUTE TO MUM
My dear mother, where do I start? I miss you more than words can express but I am thankful for the fond memories of you that will forever remain with me. You taught me the importance of family, making sure that we all spent time together whenever and wherever possible and I continue to cherish those relationships very much. Thank you for being such a lovely mother; teaching me life skills in your own inimitable way: I learned how to cook, change bed linen – tucking the sheets with hotel-like precision; I learned to dust, wash and pay attention to personal hygiene to near clinical standards and today, I proudly apply all those skills. You were fun and as I grew older and bolder, I enjoyed cracking jokes with you and you reciprocated with good humour. When we spent time together last year and we had to move you in your chair from one position to another, you would promptly say, “Thank you! That was a jolly good ride” Indeed it has been a jolly good ride. Farewell mummy! Love and miss you dearly. Your baby, Adetokunbo
–Mrs. Adetokunbo Magbagbeola (nee Odubekun) Daughter
Thank you for being an amazing in-law to my parents particularly my mum of blessed memory. You were such a kind and caring person that anytime my mum travelled to Nigeria and stayed with you, you were always a great host and always made her stay in Nigeria a memorable one. Also during the festive period, you would always send food through your driver to my late Dad when he was in Ibadan. Continue to rest in the bosom of the lord.
–Femi Magbagbeola (Son-in-Law)
TRIBUTES FROM AND ON BEHALF OF NIECES AND NEPHEW
From Dr and Mrs Oba Otudeko (niece)
One loss too many; a pivotal Pillar of the Royal Olugboyega ruling family of Owu Ijebu, our special aunty Mrs Arinade Odubekun left no one in doubt concerning her royal heritage whose mantle she so proudly hoisted and displayed for all to behold, esteem and admire. Aunty was a family woman to the hilt, a princess royal. She was fiercely loyal, loving, caring and protective especially of the children of her “late sister”; for which we remain eternally grateful.
Although she will be dearly missed, we take solace in the fact that, at ninety years, she lived out her term in comfort and ease. But her unique personality and especially commitment will be greatly missed. Finally, we commend Aunty’s lovely soul to the bosom of sweet Jesus our Christ and redeemer until the resurrection morning. Goodbye our aunty, Goodbye our loving princess, you lived well, you showed loyalty and you radiated true love. We are grateful for all; indeed for everything Good night our beloved Aunty.
–Dr and Mrs Oba Otudeko CFR
MY AUNT, MY MOTHER: PRINCESS ARINADE ODUBEKUN
Two sisters fully at peace and loving one another. Mami (her sister) had a plan for both of them whereby Mami would be selling Krola and Guinness stout, where she prospered and ensured her sister went to London to study catering. On return, they would complement each other in a joint venture. Hmm …. alas as she finished her catering course waiting for her husband, Mami just passed on with six of us so small in Papa mi’s hand!! Ahh …. but Mami left an angel in her sister who was always willing to place her head on the chopping block if need be for whatever was required.
Now, you have finished the race having accomplished all your sister demanded of you! Yes, a hugging welcome awaits you from your doting sister and your ever-patient husband who has eagerly been awaiting your arrival! We shall continue to love you forever as our Saviour Jesus Christ has you in His hands. Our dear aunt and God’s angel, take your rightful entry into His kingdom as we soldier on. To God be the Glory.
–Otunba Femi Oduntan
TRIBUTES FROM AND ON BEHALF OF SIBLINGS
The Soroptimists call themselves’ Best Sister’. That is because they have not met sister Arinade, who was our ‘Local’ Best Sister. Sister Arin was born 10 years ahead of me and, when she left school, arrangements were being made for me to follow her to her place of work as a younger helping hand. She started teaching me some English vocabulary in preparation for our stay together. However, the proposal didn’t work our and the chapter was closed. I went to England in 1964 to join my husband, and my sister Arinade and her late husband, Baba Tosin, embraced my arrival. She gave me guidance on how to make my husband feel at home with my cooking. She taught me the kind of fish that would taste like Nigerian fish and the part of meat that I could cook as delicacy at home. When, in 1965, I was to have a white wedding in England, she and my late brother, Adedipe Alias Prince Ade, stood solidly with my-and gave my hand our in marriage. On the arrival of my first child, she was there to teach me how to cope and care for the new baby.
Sister Arin’ s attachment to me was from birth. My mother told me that I was born in a small clinic in Ijebu-Imushin and all my brothers and sisters came to the clinic to congratulate her. She said to me that sister Arin named me ‘Igbehin Adun’. Sister has been in my life from birth, through childhood, marriage, childbearing and old age, Sister Arinade was a methodical lady, loving and kind. When I told my late mother how amazed I was at my sister’s generosity, she told me that sister was like her late mother in that respect. She was a lover of tradition and would do anything to ensure that the family thread does not break. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Goodnight, MUMMYSTIC. Goodnight, MUMMY ANFANI. SUN RE 0 OMO OLOWU ODURU SUN RE O.
–Princess Adenike Adeniran (Sister)
They say memories are golden. Well, maybe that’s true, but we never wanted memories; we only wanted you. SISTA mi. your life was that of love and labour; your love for your family is true, you did your best for all of us. In tears, I watched you sinking. Though my heart was pounding and breaking, I knew you could not stay any longer.
A voice we loved is still, a place is vacant within our hearts and the Olugboyega II Family which never can be filled. I wish God could have spared you if just the remaining four months to celebrate your 90th birthday. But God saw you were getting tired and a cure was for Him to call you home by putting His Arms around you and whispering:
“Come to Me.” So, your golden heart stopped beating; God has proven to us He only takes the Best. Sister, you are simply ‘the best! I adore your smile. I cherish your hugs. Most of all, I admire your heart. I love that you are my SISTER.
–Apostle Fadekemi Olaleye, Ph.D., JP (Sister)
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