•What Her Kids & Family Members Said About Her
On Sunday 17th, October, 2021, all roads led to Imeko, in Ogun West Senatorial District where the Fidau Prayers & Final Burial Ceremony of late Alhaja Kuburat Agbeke Isiaka, the Iya Adinni of Imekoland was held. She is the mother of popular Ogun Politician, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI). The entire Isiaka family of Imeko, Ogun State, rallied round to give Mama a befitting burial. The Fidau Prayers began at 9 am and the Reception took off at 12 noon.
Below are the tributes of GNI & his siblings.
HER LIFE & TIMES
Alhaja Kuburat Agbeke Isiaka (nee Adegbite) was born on October to”, 1940, in the Ketu -speaking town of Dirin in historic French Dahomey (Now the Republic of Benin). Her Father was Laisi Adegbite of the famous Oloye family compound in Dirin. Her mother, Sariyu Ogunfunke Adegbite, was a native of Moriwi, a quiet community contiguous to Imeko and Dirin.
The late Iya Adini had an eventful 80 years on earth before heeding the call of Almighty Allah (SAW) on 23rd August 2021. Though born in Dirin and raised a few years there, she had her teenage years at her maternal home in Moriwi and usually played with her peers around the neighbouring Matale and Okeagbede; which were few homesteads apart. Early in life and despite not having the opportunity of western education, she embraced the alternate option of religious knowledge and adherence to the dictates of Allah; which she was introduced to by her paternal grandmother at Dirin. One other thing she imbibed quite early was the value of hard work.
Growing up, young Kuburatpursued two agendas. First, she sought knowledge and devotion to God. Secondly, she dedicated herself to all the petty trading that her grandmother and mother ventured into. Armed with these principles she set out into trading of multiple items from her base at Moriwi and extended such into Matale, Okeagbede, Iwoye, Ilara and Imeko. As she became more mature, she ventured into textile trading, usually sourcing garments from the old Gbagi fabric market in Ibadan.
On occasions that the cost of the fabrics became exorbitant at Ibadan, she went to ‘Kotanyo’, Oshodi and even the popular Aswani markets; both in Lagos, to get good fabrics and then bring back to Imeko market for sales. She also expanded the scope of her fabric sales every five days to Ilara – the bilingual border town that is equidistant from Imeko (her eventual marital home) and Ketu (her paternal ancestral home).
It was during one of such journeys that she met, Tijani Ade Isiaka, son of the late Baraagba Isiaka, an influential Islamic and community leader of old Imeko. Getting closer, Tijani was stuck at how amiable Kuburat was. Her calm mien, love for Islam and diligence to enterprise – were virtues too good for Tijani to resist. They courted immediately as she did not have reasons to reject the advances of Tijani, a transporter by profession and also a politician of note in the old western region. Tijani consummated his union with Kuburat with an elaborate Nikkai and subsequently moved her to Iwemede compound in his native Imeko.
She was a fertile woman and they did not have to wait long before they enjoyed the benevolence of God. It was a tough call combing roles; for pushing pregnancy and business endeavours took toll on her; but she endured and after nine months, she had her first child, Nasir in February 1962. She afterwards birthed Lawal, Mojeed, Wasiu, Taju, Suliat, Nosimot, Adenike and Jamiu. Expectedly, Kuburat sparred nothing in ensuring all her children had the best within her capacity, albeit with the support of their Father (Tijani) – who by fate, was not going to be physically around for too long. Even before his departure, while doing his transport business; he was always in and out of Imeko. Often times she took the children to visit their Father at Benin, Edo (Where he was resident at some point). But as they say, good trees don’t stay too long in the bush; Pa T Ade Isiaka died in 1976.
Kuburat braced up to the challenges and gave herself up for the welfare of the family.
She could no longer do the interstate trading and resorted to all manner of business – trading in textile, eggs, puff-puff and sugar among other items; just to ensure her children looked and ate well. She was a mother who woke up at dawn, with a lamp in her hand – and would hurry out to meet her textile debtors and gather monies for her kids to get to school. Though not educated, she understood the value of education and supported her children to the best of her ability. Little wonder she raised morally upright and successful children, doing well in their chosen career; a reward she reaped bountifully up until her last breath.
While alive, she held on firmly to the dictates of her faith and was a devout worshipper of Almighty Allah. Her activities around the Islamic community were significant. She was a pillar of the Faith, contributing to the growth and development of Islam around Imeko and its environment. Several awards and recognitions came her way, and the most significant was her installation as the Iya Adinni of Imeko; for her diligence and service. The late Iya Adinni radiated love to anyone she came in contact with. She accommodated and trained many children that were not hers. She was a pillar of unification in the extended family as she sought the good of everyone. Not one to discriminate or segregate, she was a role model, bridge builder and pursuer of peace.
Nothing validates a person like the testimonies of others. She has been variously described by her children, family members, friends, In-laws, neighbours, and the Islamic community as a gem, gentle, kind, accommodating, a rare breed of the female species, an epitome of humanity and lover of God. No doubt that it pleased the creator to spare her life till the ripe age of 80 years and still had the benevolence of God to have her children hover around and show her love and care during her last hours.
TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER
It was a shock when the First Cardiology Ikoyi Hospital staff broke the news to me on phone just after getting ready to go and see her that very sad Monday morning with my sister.
My mother is the most expensive being on earth to us. Nobody can understand how hard this separation is, and to think that what will remain in my heart would only be memories of her till eternity saddens me. No one and nothing can fill the void created by the loss of my dear mother.
She meant a lot in my life because I lost my dad when I was 12 years, she’s the only one I knew that brought me up for almost 45 years after the demise of her husband.
I thank Almighty Allah for his mercies for giving me the opportunity to do little I could in taking care of her because she stayed with me till the day she went to the hospital and never returned home.
May the soul of my dearly departed mother rest in Jannatul Firdaus, and may my prayers help guide her on her
journey to our Creator and He be pleased with her.
Alhaji Lawal Isiaka (Ladzas)
TRIBUTE TO MY MUMMY ALHAJA KUBURAT AGBEKE ISIAKA
Mummy as we used to call her before she went to Hajj. Although, there is a maxim that says; “father or mother in a million”. Mummy was not just a mother in million but a mother uncountable. A devoted Muslim, Virtuous wife, a Businesswoman and mother of many children. Apart from us, her biological children, our house is always full of children from her extended family.
A mother who is ready to sell all that she has to train and make her children comfortable. I prayed Allah SWT forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljanah fridaous. Sunre Iya mi Agbeke, Omu Oloye ijileje …
Mojeed Isiaka
TRIBUTE TO MY SWEET MOTHER
Adija my mother. Kuburat mi Agbeke. OMO oloye, Omo Erelapa, Abiyamo tooto. Where do I start this tribute from? How do I say goodnight to my loving MOTHER? The Best Mother to have lived on Planet Earth. My all in all.
The one I often run to, anytime I need to know one more thing about T. Ade, my late father who only saw me for the first 4years and a few months of my life.
Agbeke mi, with the help of God, you took it from there, saw me through childhood, and in your Life Time, I attained adulthood with the reflections/testimonies of your Prayers all over me, just as it reflects on my elder and younger ones.
You played your motherly roles until your unannounced exit from this world on the 23rd of August 2021 at the age of 80 years. I wouldn’t forget all you were able to tell us, and even the ones time might not have permitted you as you were helplessly leaving us on that unforgettable Sunday. You have done so well Alhaja, I may not have wished you left at this time, God knows why and you deserve a good rest under Allah’s Bountiful Mercy.
A painful exit no doubt but I take solace in the fact that you lived a life that one can be proud o£ And If there be another chance to come to planet Earth, I will choose you all time as my driver.
Adieu Agbeke mi. May Almighty Allah grant you eternal rest.
Alhaji Wasiu Isiaka
Tribute To My Mum
She was one in a million. I will happily come to this life through her again if the opportunity presents itself. My first love. A kind, community leader and religious mother. Tell my mum about your life successes or challenges, she intervened and offered unrelenting prayers for you.
Heaven has indeed gained an angel. We take solace in Allah for the exemplary and high moral life you lived. You will be greatly missed by all and especially my beautiful wife who doesn’t hide how much she cherished you.
Maami Agbeke oye! Sunre o
Kunle Tajudeen Isiaka
Iya Mi Owon
Nitooto iya lalabaro omo,iya mi .. .Iya Adeen. Iya olorire ti o je awokose rere Nipa esin .ninu iwa ati awon ohun pupo fun mi. Nipa opolopo imoran ti mo fi dagba ti mi ole gbagbe lae lae.
Mio le gbagbe iya mhi .. .Ife yin ati iranti yin yo wa lokan nil titi aye.
Sun re Agbeke Oye.
Mrs Suliyat Ejide Isiaka-Sanusi
TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER – A God’S Gift
Yours and forever will I always be Maami, you are the best gift God has ever given to me. Through your advice I grow, through your words, I am you comfort me, you continue to be my role model now and forevermore.
Love you forever. May God grant you Aljana firdaus ]. Sun re Agbeke Oye.
Mrs Nosimot Isiaka-Ajisafe
My mum was a such loving, caring and the best mother anyone could wish for. My mum would sit down and listen to anything that people were saying. She had time for everybody. Anyone would wish for a mother like my mom.
No one can understand the pains am passing through without you my confidant (alabaromi) If love alone could have saved you, you would have never died.
I miss you mom. lyamiAgbeke oye sun re o,odi arinako otun di oju ala.
Musiliat Adenike Isiaka Olumoye
TRIBUTE TO MY GREATMOTHER
23rd of August 2021, a day I will never forget in my life. I was shocked and saddened when I received my sister’s call from “First Cardiologist” Ikoyi, it was a Monday morning, and she said; JAMIU, * Alhaja Tiku* meaning Alhaja is Dead, with a voice of crying. I exclaimed Alhaja what?! Immediately, I lost my balance and I started running up and down within the House as my body system turned unstable, with tears running down uncontrollably from my eyes.
But I was still with her throughout yesterday in the company of my elder brothers and sisters and no one could have taught that would be our last moment with her, I queried.
She had called us all on Sunday to come around where she was hospitalized in Lagos, with her children, we were all there and She was cheerful all through the moment but Maami was pronounced dead barely 12 hrs after. To God be the glory, the giver and taker of all souls.
I thank Allah for her life well spent. She was a prayer warrior and a devout Muslim. May Almighty Allah grant her Alijannah Fridaous. Alhaja was my confidant, my best friend, my gist partner, my adviser, my playmate, my first love, my teacher, igi leyin ogba mi, my financial rescuer, my everything.
She was an inspiration to everyone Lovely, humble, compassionate and understanding. She doesn’t know how to keep malice with people, even if I had issues with people whether I was right or not she will still caution me. What a lovely mother she was. I would have wished you lived much longer so that my children too can enjoy all I have enjoyed with you but (aye Olorun). Rest in perfect peace my lovely mother, as you live in my heart, wura mi. You have lived a life well spent in peace with people and a life of contentment which has been your topmost advice to us all.
Thank you mum for the memories and the lessons have learnt from you. Farewell sweet mum, Farewell mother of great virtues, farewell to my legend. Forever you will live on in my heart.
Isiaka Jamiu Adeboye (Lastborn)
FAREWELL MY OUTSTANDING MOTHER-IN-LAW
For all the years I knew you, I always thanked God that He blessed me with the most outstanding Mother-in-law anyone could ask for. Your quiet strength and dedication inspired me in more ways than one.
Alhaja Kuburat Agbeke Isiaka, you are a mother with a unique character that is worthy of emulation. Your love for God, your children, your children-in-law; grandchildren and everyone around you was contagious and greatly felt.
I am glad that my husband had a mother like you, because you are part of the reason he is the wonderful man he grew up to be.
Even though you’re not here with us in the flesh, we will always carry you within our hearts for all the pleasant memories and peace that you radiated while alive.
Sleep on dear beloved till we meet again
Deaconess Oluwatoyin Isiaka
GOODNIGHT! THE WORLD BEST MOTHER-IN-LOVE
Alhaja Kuburat Agbeke Isiaka
I had a perfect mother-in-love. Iya Adini of Imeko land never knew u were saying goodbye, while on sick bed you called to check on me and the kids on that Sunday morning which I was telling you we are going to give thanks to God at the end what baffles me was you not replying with Amen, the only thing you said was mummy Jamal I want to be going home tell daddy Jamal to come and pick me Iya Adini of Imekoland Alhaja Agbeke Isiaka we love you but Allah love you more, we all missed you and your grandson Jamaldeen ask if he is not going to see you forever, his siblings said you have gone to Imeko my beautiful mother in love odi Arin na ko odi oju ala ooooo ki olorun bami te yin si afefe rere … gbogbo iya lo fi tiyin Toro wipe ki eyin ti awon na da bi tiyin …
If truly we are still coming to this life again I will like to be your daughter-in-law again and again my gist partner, my best friend, our prayer warriors, our love she didn’t take me as a wife alone also as a daughter, she called me her lastborn. From the very beginning, when I first saw Alhaja, I was totally accepted. She made me feel right at home. …
My darling mother-in-law deserves praises, not tears. Smiles, not sorrows. Happiness, not sadness. She was my shining example of strength and compassion, of honour and love.
I promise to keep to my promise to you to always stay with your wonderful son, my darling husband ISIAKA JAMIU Alhaja Adijat Kubura (Agbeke Oye) omo oloye Ijileje Aya Ondegba yopa yopa sebi akisa omoolowo se hi oba. We know we are so lucky to have had this loving woman in our lives and, now in our hearts forever.
Goodnight the best mother-in-law.
Mrs. ISIAKA Taiwo. M
TRIBUTE TO
MY DEAREST MOTHER-IN LAW
Alhaja Kuburatu Agbeke, you meant the world to me, it’s so hard to believe you have gone. You were such a loving MOTHER, CARING accommodating, the precious memories of the bond we shared will never depart from my memory.
Alhaja mi (as I fondly called) shall forever be for as much as I live. Mama, I love you for so many reasons, your care, your simplicity, knowledge, advise, not tired of listening to us and amicably settling anything bordering anyone within the family even among us as wives of Isiaka, we are going to miss the pureness of your love.
Iya Adinni of imeko land. I pray to Almighty Allah to give you eternal peace in return, may your soul continue to rest in the blossom of Allah, Sleep on mama.
Mrs Opeyemi ‘LawaI Isiaka (Madam Ladzas)
TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER- IN-LAW, ALHAJAKUBURAT
AGBEKE ISIAKA {IYA ADINNI OF IMEKO)
It is common place to hear complaints from mother in laws, even among the young mothers who aspire to become mother in law themselves. But, I am blessed that my experience is different with Iya Adinni as mother in law. She was not just a mother in law, she was indeed a mother that most would cherish.
She was a true mother to me and other daughters in-laws of her children. You will always remain in our hearts for your invaluable guidance and support.
Sun re o. Adijat Kubura Agbeke Oye.
Mrs Tawakalit Mojeed Isiaka
TO MY DEAREST MOTHER-IN-LAW
I’m so proud and honoured to have you as my mother-in-law. One of the strongest women I had the privilege of knowing. “IYA ADINNI ABIAMO TOOTO”, we are going to miss you for all that you have done. You took care of your daughters, sons, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and grandchildren. So accommodating, kind, and loving heart Mother.
Thank you, Mama, for being there when in need, you thought us right from wrong.
Anytime we had challenges you were always there for us.
Thank you, IYA REERE, for we could always count on you anytime, such an awesome mother-in-law to me. We appreciate you Mother as you show and shared love to everyone, either Sister, Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother and Wife. May the light of our best memories guide you on your way to heaven till we meet to path no more. Mama Ajani, I will miss hearing your sweet voice on phone. I will miss your lovely set of teeth (laughing), Agbeke Oye as you fondly call yourself, sun re ooo. Sleep well MAMA. IYA AJANI MI, IYA ADINNI of Imekoland. We love you but Almighty God loves you the most.
ABIAMO TOOTO!!!!!
Motomori Omobola Isiaka (Soyinka)
TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW
The late Iya Adinin is a mother-in-law every wife should wish for. She was indeed a mother to me and my children. She was very prayerful and her humility and kindness is worthy of emulation. I wish she could live longer but we thank God for the good legacies.
May Allah overlook my mother-in-law’s shortcomings and grant her Aljana fridaus. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Iya oko dadaa. Sun re o.
Mrs Fatimah T. Kunle-Isiaka Daughter-in-law
GOODNIGHT! SWEETEST MOTHER-IN-LAW
Alhaja Kuburat Agbeke Isiaka (Iya Adinni of Imeko Land) was the sweetest Mother-in-law any wife could have wished for. An embodiment of God’s love she was. Iya Adinni, You were a rare gem and precious gift from God. So much Grace, Love and Patience you possessed. Your strength and smile even on dark days made me realize how strong a Mother should be.
You were true proof to the fact that “Happiness is a thing of the mind, so also is peace of mind” that when one is having peace from within, it truly radiates all over you Naturally. You were always looking calm and cool in every situation.
Mama, Your kindness and Love of God has inspired me in so many ways. Yours was indeed a life well spent! I have no doubt you are on the right side of your creator. May Allah whom you served forgive your shortcomings and grant you Aljanah fudaus.
SUN REO,OMO OLOYE DI LEJE!
Mis Omobolanle .M. ‘Wasiu Isiaka’
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