Among the many glowing tributes that poured in during the grand celebration of life for Madam Christianah Anu-Oluwapo Adesanya, one voice stood out with remarkable tenderness — that of her last child, UK-based Miss Oludayo Adesanya.
Speaking with visible emotion yet deep gratitude, Oludayo reflected not just on the loss of a mother but the departure of a confidant, prayer warrior, and best friend. Her words painted the portrait of a 95-year-old matriarch whose influence went far beyond discipline and tradition, extending into everyday expressions of love — early morning calls, evening check-ins, and heartfelt prayers.
In this heartfelt conversation with City People reporter, Jamiu Abubakar, she opens up about what she will miss most, the values her mother instilled in her, and the enduring legacy of peace, contentment, and generosity she now carries forward.
Below are excerpts:
How do you feel about celebrating your mum’s life well spent?
I thank God that my mum lived a very wonderful life, a beautiful life, a fulfilled life. I give God all the glory for a life well spent.
She lived up to 95. That is truly long. What will you miss most about her?
I will miss my mum’s everyday calls. Anytime I was going to work in the morning, I would call her. In the evening, too, I would call her. I miss those moments. I miss the video calls. I miss her prayers.
She was my friend. She was my everything. She meant so much to me. I miss her deeply. But at the same time, she needed to rest. So, I still give God all the glory for a life well spent.
Growing up, how would you describe her?
My mum was a non-nonsense mother. She was very neat and disciplined. She was a grateful and contented woman. My mother never envied anyone. She was satisfied with whatever she had.
She had no enemies. She was peaceful. She was honest. She was a giver.
The legacy she left behind is what I am now emulating. Those values shaped me. I don’t even know how best to describe her — she meant everything to me. If I were to come back to this world again, I would still choose her as my mother.
People speak good things about her, in her husband’s family and in her own family. I am so proud to call her my mum.
How has her lifestyle influenced your personality?
In so many ways. I am peaceful. I don’t hold grudges. I am a giver. I am content with whatever I have. Those are the virtues I inherited from her, and I cherish them deeply.
Families, friends, and well-wishers travelled from far and wide to celebrate her. What is your message to them?
I want to say thank you to everyone — for their presence, their gifts, their support, and their prayers. It has been overwhelming.
I pray that as they return to their destinations, God will take them back safely. God will protect them against every spirit of accidents, in Jesus’ name. I thank God for their lives and for everything they have done for us.
My name is Miss Oludayo Adesanya. I am a support worker, and I live in the United Kingdom. Thank you very much.
Biography of Madam Christianah Anu-Oluwapo Adesanya
Mrs. Christianah Aanu-Oluwapo Adesanya (née Obisanya) was born on August 23, 1930, to the family of Late Pa Obisanya of Itun Imosun, Erunwon. Her mother, Eunice Olubamke, was from Isanyindo, Isade. She was the third of four children.
Her siblings included Late Madam Jane Odufuwa, Late Madam Esuola Olufojude, and Late Thomas Obisanya.
As a young and intelligent woman, she followed in the footsteps of her late sister, Madam Olufojude, who was a well-known trader with a shop at Ebute Metta Sawmills in Lagos.
At the age of 20, she returned from Lagos and married her late husband, Omooba Benjamin Adeeko Adesanya (JP), popularly known as “Oba-Oni Bata.” Their home became a respected and peaceful household in Ijebu Imusin.
Mama was a hardworking and industrious businesswoman. She traded in foodstuffs, including yam and other farm produce, travelling as far as Ibadan for supplies. Through diligence and perseverance, she built and completed a one-storey building in Ijebu Imusin in 1956 — a remarkable achievement at the time.
Her success in business and her children’s international travels later earned her the affectionate nickname “Iya London” among neighbours.
Though she experienced personal loss, including the passing of one of her daughters in 2018, she remained steadfast in her Christian faith.
She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Ijebu Imusin. She paid her church dues faithfully — even while on her sickbed. She was one of the last two surviving members of Egbe Emilere in the church.
Mama was a woman of deep faith, integrity, generosity, and peace.
She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom continue to uphold her legacy of love, unity, and godliness.
