•What Family Members Will Miss About Her
A few days ago, the remains of Chief (Mrs) Racheal Aina Alufa was interred in Ijero-Ekiti. She died on 10th February 2023 at the age of 97. Her rite of passage began with the Service of Songs on Wednesday 8th February, 2023 in Ado Ekiti, followed by the Lying in State & Service of Songs on Thursday 9th February 2023. That evening, the Christian Wake Keeping was held at the residence of Hon. Kayode Alufa. The Funeral Service and Interment took place on Friday 10th February 2023 at Christ Church Ijero Ekiti and Reception followed at Adebomi Hall, on Aranmoko Road, Ijero Ekiti.
Who is Chief (Mrs.) Racheal Aina Alufa (nee Mogaji) 1925-2002. We can tell you her story. Mama Chief Racheal Aina Alufa JP, in her lifetime was the Eyeloro of Ikole-Ekiti. She was born in Ijero Ekiti in August 1925. Her father, Pa Michael Mogaji hailed from Oke Agba, in Ijero. And her mum, Madam Dorcas Ajoke Mogaji is a Princess of Ile-Ife, from the Oyo Ijero clan. Both were early Christian converts.
According to her children, Mama had her early education at Christ Apostolic School, Ijero (1944-1947) and later attended Christ Church School, Ijero from 1948 to 1951. Mama lost her mother very early in life, thus, she was brought up by her father and her maternal grandmother, uncles, aunties, etc. Who all doted on her and ensured that she did not lack the love of a mother throughout her childhood.
The early loss of her mother and the attendant show of love by all, contributed significantly to her starting primary school at a family advanced age i.e. till the CAC authority began to ask parent to enrol their children in order to meet the minimum population required by the education authority to enable their school remain in operation.
It was not uncommon in those days to teach with the primary school leaving certificate, this, on completion of her primary school education. Mama embraced the teaching profession. She taught in such school’s as St. Johns School, Akure (1952), St. Joseph School, Aramoko (1953).
In 1953, she got married to her heartthrob, a young officer in the western region Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. (later Chief) Joshua Ajayi Alufa who at that time was working in Owo. This caused Mama to eventually relocate from Aramokoto, St Louis School, Owo(1955-1957). She also taught at St Johns CAC Owo(1958-1960). She finally resigned from teaching in 1960 and took up trading because this afforded her the flexibilityshe needed in order to manage her young and growing family, which had increased from just 2 of them in 1953 to 6, because the good Lord by 1960 had blessed the marriage with 4 children, much later, the Lord increased the tally to 7.
Mama travelled far and wide with her husband across the length and breadth of the old Western region. Some of their stations include Akure, Owo, Oyo, Abeokuta, Ikare, and finally Ado. Mama recalled accompanying her grandmother on several trade trips on foot from Ijeroto Ilesha and they were always treated to the hospitality of total strangers, along their route. That was the culture then.
They nursed no fear of harm whatsoever because everybody was their neighbor’s keeper. Mama was a member of the CAC choir in Ijero and as a young chorister, one of her most cherished memories was the consecration of the first CAC Church in Erioby Apostle Ayo Babalola. The journey to Eriowas by foot and the Ijerochoir sang an 8 stanzapiece, which all member had learnt by heart to the delight of the Christian Community. The CAC ErioChurch was reputed to be the first of its kind in Ekiti, with an impressive Gallery.
Though CAC by birth, Mama joined the Anglican Church by marriage and continued to worship in the Anglican Communion whenever she was in Ijerowith her husband. They were members of the Brotherhood of Light, till after the death of her husband when Archdeacon Ojurongbe relocated her to Mother’s Guild. Chief Mrs. Racheal AinaAlufawas delighted to visit the holy land of Israel in 2002, after which the title JP was added to her name.
Towards the end of the last decade of the 20thcentury, Mama began to worship with the Mountain of Fire and Miracles ministry and was among the very first set of devout Christians that welcomed the church in Ekiti. Her shop in the market became the venue of market evangelism where the gospel was shared largely by market women among themselves, enjoying the fellowship of worship and the presence of God. Mama was also among the earliest member of the WE CARE group, the welfare arm of the MFM with a particular focus on the needy.
To facilitate the establishment of MFM in her home townof Ijero, Mama released her country home for the use of the Church rent-free for 3 years. Truly, her zeal and commitment were not in words only, her passion for Christ was palpable.
In Ado Ekiti where she concluded her earthly journey, her home became a fellowship Centre for the city of David Redeemed Christian Church of God. To the very end, her resources, her space and her time were freely available to God.
As a Trader, Mama was the epitome of diligence, honesty, hard work resourcefulness, and trustworthiness. From petty trading on biscuits, sweets, milk etc. she upgraded to textile trading and became a major distributor for textile companies in Lagos and Ibadan. Many of the companies found her reliable and extended credit facilities to increase her stock level. Her bank, the cooperative bank also extended credit facilities to her, thus turning her into a major textile merchant in Ado Ekiti. It is to her eternal credit that when she could no longer continue with her textile business, she was not owing any of her numerous clients or the textile companies, neither was she indebted to any bank.
Mama was a woman of prayer and great faith. One of her favorite testimonies of faith was her husband’s study trips to Japan and later University of Wisconsin USA in the 60s and 70s. Daddy Pa J. A. Alufahad passionately desired an opportunity for overseas training, which was fairly availableto Civil Servants in the Western Region in those days. Quite a number ofhis colleagues had benefited from such opportunity, but certain “Men of God” had pronounced to him that there is no “Voyage life” in his destiny. They were conclusive about this. It was a sore point and a major source of distress and discouragement for the hardworking and diligent civil servant, but Mama prayed to God all by herself without ceasing, insisting on a Voyage life for her husband. God showed Himself mighty and Mama was vindicated when in 1963, her husband was sent to Japan for training on Rice Production by the Government of Western Region. Daddy subsequently became one of the top rice specialists in the then Western Region Ministry of Agriculture.
The OfadaRice Scheme in Ofada, Ogun State today stands as a major outcome of that collaborative effort between Western region and Japan, and through her prayer, Mama ensured that her husband’s name was among those associated with such a laudable project in Nigeria. God gave Mama additional testimony when her Husband was again sponsored by the Government of Western State of Nigeria for a training program at the University of Wisconsin USA.
Mama remained steadfast in her faith, till God called her home on 22 December 2022. She left behind, a legacy of courage, patience, love, faith in God, and devotion to family and friends. She is survived by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, cousins, nieces.
Below are the tributes of her children and what they will miss about her.
“My mother caring lover of children and lover of her husband and devoted worshiper of God. You are so compassionate and caring you stood by me on hospital bed at state hospital bed at state for a month. Even the Doctor said they will cut my legs you insisted that my legs will not be cut you believe that I will still walk with the leg You are a great teacher you make me to love maths during the long vacation you will buy Ilesanmi Arithmetic book for me the Arithmetic that my mate will do in three terms I will do in three months. You taught me to be hardworking to be hardworking to support my husband A great prayer warrior. OdigbaIyami Ainaomo Mogajiokelogboomoajinase eniesun bi Omo Ajoke. O digbaEye lufaAlaso.
Oyefeso Olajumoke Daughter
“How do I say goodbye when it hasn’t yet sunk in that you are gone from this life? A thousand years wouldn’t be long enough to learn all the lessons and wisdom Mama had to share. I’ll miss those life lessons. YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN MY HEART. Farewell to the best Mother-in-law and Mother-of-pearl anyone could ever hope to have. Your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten. A life well lived finds rest and rewards in eternity.
Funmilayo Alufa,
Daughter-in-law.
Adieu grandma, what a wonderful opportunity to have met you in life. You were such a kind-hearted person. Till we meet to part no more; Rest on grandma.
–OyefesoAbiodun
(Son-In-Law)
Mama has got her wings…heavens gained another Angel. You were extraordinary… Your love for family shines through every child of yours. Your strength, generosity, caring nature ,great work ethic and most admirable your love for God has been passed down to your children and grandchildren. I heard such wonderful stories about you , and then I met you and saw how nurturing and kind you were. I’ll never forget you, Mama. We will miss you so and we love you dearly. Your legacy will live on. Rest on with the Lord
–TonteAlufa-Daughter-in-law
To my tender-hearted mum. I will really miss you. You gave me courage and strength to stand and whenever I came home and we talked, you inspired me for the next step. No one could understand our bond. You were very understanding and accommodating. So generous, she would open her wardrobe and tell me to take the best. She would say you don’t need to come home with many clothes your mum here has more than enough and I would smile within me as if we wore the same size. Mama took care of my kids when they were little and was so proud to babysit. We would sit together, and she would tell me many things. Mama you will be dearly missed. Sun re o yeyeomo
–Nike Alufa,
Daughter in law
Dearest mother, words cannot explain how painful your passing is or how dearly I loved you. Your commitment and sacrifices to your family were unrivalled, especially to me who happens to be your last child. You even had special songs for me. A woman of strong conviction and faith in our Lord Jesus, reciting almost every chapter of the book of Psalms by heart. Respectful to your husband, loving to your children and accommodating to all regardless of shape, faith or colour. I wish you could live forever mum but I know God loves you more and has called you home to rest after fulfilling a glorious destiny. Sun re o.
–Jide Alufa, Son
It is with gratitude to God that I say goodnight to my dear mom . Eye lukaluka. Thanking God for you mom, your steadfastness, your faith, your commitment to family virtues and your consistence in Serving the Lord . Heaven indeed has gained a general. Mom is a greet disciplinarian always pointing us to the right direction through biblical principles, without mincing words,Thanks for being you Mà, the best mother anyone can ask for, you sacrificed a lot to make us have a beautiful upbringing . Thanks mom. Eye mi o eye ire, Sun Re o.
–BoladeAde-Jagun-Daughter
How do I start and where do I start from? Mummy aka Grandma Ado you are truly deserving of every kind word and attributes so far used to describe you ever since you passed on to glory.All her children called her blessed and all who knew her called her virtuous. Mama was a true and firm pillar for me and Dupe. She was familiar with the strength and weaknesses of each of her children, Mama was a nurturer per excellence. Mummy was a versatile trader who regularly travelled to Lagos Ibadan Ilesha Benin etc to procure goods for distribution . I remember one evening while thinking aloud she said “ Every week, we all carry large sums of money from Ekiti to Lagos Ibadan etc but no one brings such money to us here…is this how we will continue ? Then how do we develop? In that quiet moment , mama just gave a deep insight on how to be wealthy whether as an individual or a community or even a nation. Situate yourself in a manner that others will bring their wealth to you in exchange for your products. Mummy thank you for receiving me when I first relocated to Ado but more importantly thank you for staying back a few extra days after Damilola’s naming ceremony. Only myself and Dupe understand the magnitude of that extra time and attention you gave us at our most vulnerable moment as new parents and we will forever be grateful .
–Bayo Aina-Son-in-law
Words are inadequate to describe my mum -Loving, cool, compassionate, a giver and one who was confident about her God. She was a lover of God. Thank you so much for all you did to shapenmy life. I believe you are singing now with the angels.
–Modupe Aina-Daughter
I thank you for your selflessness and sacrifices in order to raise me and my siblings you are a heroine. So selfless and a good example and powerful illustration of what it means to be a virtuous woman. Your love for everyone you come in contact withcontinue to be worth emulating. I celebrate and honour you for who you are and all you did. SunreoWe will surely meet at the bosom of our Lord
–Chief Ayo Alufa-Daughter
We bless the Lord for the life of mama Alufa, A very dear mother indeed . My first encounter of mommy Alufa was a remarkable one, she embraced me as her son and went above and beyond to ensure that I enjoyed my stay in Ado, I remember I said I wanted to eat spaghetti and spaghetti surfaced that night.Mommy Alufawill always come to stay with us in London when we were having our children , ever so caring and ever so loving, she does everything with prayer, love and compassion. We became gist partners , mama always encouraging me and sharing experiences with me .Thank you mama Alufa. Sweet is the remembrance of the righteous . Sun re o .
–Ademola Jagun-Son in law
How do I say goodbye when it hasn’t yet sunk in that you are gone from this life? A thousand years wouldn’t be long enough to learn all the lessons and wisdom Mama had to share. I’ll miss those life lessons. YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN MY HEART. Farewell to the best Mother-in-law and Mother-of-pearl anyone could ever hope to have. Your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten. A life well lived finds rest and rewards in eternity.
–Funmilayo Alufa-Daughter-in-law
Mrs R.A AlufaJP (nee Mogaji) Mama is a person that likes and always have a way to contribute to people’s life no matter how,She’s always surrounded by people, myself and her always have very deep discussions that I believed nobody could though of.I have a lot of good memories of my upbringings with her.
–Gbenga Mogaji’s
“My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind.” —Michael Jordan I struggle with the knowledge that you are now an angel in heaven. Eyelufaa! No words can express the blessing of being your son. You nurtured, tutored and motivated me through all the scenes of life. Your life inspired well beyond our home. Dear mum, your death is a great loss for me. It has left a huge gap in my life as I will miss your gentle words of wisdom, kindness and irreplaceable love. Ha! Ni tioto, orisabi iyako si. Who else will love me like you as we’ve been extremely close, from when I was so young helping you in the shop, to when we traversed Ekiti together looking for school uniform supplies, to when you magnanimous gave your Peugeot 305 panel van nicknamed ‘Jakumo’ by my friends whilst at the University of Ife? The car that serviced the likes of LediomoBaba Onadele, Baba mi FomiololoCharlie omoOgunsuyi, Papa Doxy now Kabiyesi. Distinguished Senator Ayo Arise and loads of great friends that are always welcomed as your children. Who will always get my back as you do? Who will I speak with in my challenging moments again? I will continue to cherish the memories we shared. Eyelufaaa, sail on into our heavenly Father’s bosom till we meet to part no more.
–OlukayodeAlufa-Son
Grand Children
Blessed is the memory of the just, thanks so much grandma for all the stories and lessons you taught me in my 21-year relationship with you which has come to an end . I love you surely, we will meet on the resurrection morning, help me greet Afemoand tell him I am making him proud.
–Prince Victor Oyefeso-Grandson
My grandmother a loving and caring one, I love you so much I did not have the privilege to meet my grandpa, but you filled the vacuum for me I am happy you are my grandma and happy I was present during your last hours in life. I love you so much grandma
–Prince DemiladeOyefeso-Grandson
Grandma imparted upon us the most important thing a person can, love. Her very actions and longevity inspired her children and grandchildren to hold family in the highest esteem. I remember the fun I had visiting her as a baby. She would make me dodo and call it sugar puffs, starting my lifetime love of soft dodo. Thank you, Grandma, for loving me even though I was mostly far away.
–OluwaseunAlufa-Grandson
You may have passed on, but your memories would always leave on within us. Thanks for your sacrifices , your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for me. Rest in peace grandma
–Sarah Oyefeso-Granddaughter
Grandma mi owon! Thank you for your legacy. I remember morning devotions with you .Your prayer life and your knowledge of the Psalms were also something that shaped me till today. Anytime I read Psalm 114, you always come to my memory because you taught me. I also loved your stories. They were both educative and entertaining . My Grandma, a champion in storytelling. I remember following you to the market in OjaOba, and I was so eager to help you sell your goods, but ididn’t really know the prices, and I drove a customer away because I was always saying the wrong price. I love you, Grandma. But I am glad that you are resting with the father. You lived a life full of kindness, prayer, and righteousness .
–Emmanuel Aina-Grandson
My grandma was loving! She was a great storyteller and I loved listening to her stories. I loved her smile; it was genuine and warm. So many memories I wouldn’t forget. One was following her to her shop at OjaOba. We would trek from the house to the shop. It seemed like it took forever because grandma would literally stop to greet everyone on the street whilst little me would be grumbling and tired waiting for us to get to our destination. Another memory I have of grandma were her devotions, she would study her bible every day and read us different psalms. There was a psalm for every event! Till we meet at Jesus feet grandma. I love you. I miss your witty remarks and laugh. I am comforted that you are resting with the father.
–Oluwadamilola Aina-Granddaughter
My dearest dearestgrandma! My grandma who loved reading her bible and praying for her children. My grandma who stopped wearing glasses and began reading without it even in her old age. My grandma who would lovingly give us some money to buy biscuit . My grandma who loved amala and ate it in a special way. My grandma who would tell us stories to entertain and educate. Grandma mi owon, more than these words you were and are special. You will forever be one of Gods special blessing to us and I’m so grateful that you knew the Lord.
–OluwanifemiAina-Granddaughter
Grandma you are a superstar in fact a megastar, you love everybody that came near you youare loving and caring am happy that you are my granny you are wonderful greet my grandpa for me that it was not nice meeting him but I heard beautiful stories about him ilove you granny may you soul rest in peace what I learnt from you iwill not forget it .
–OluwadamilolaOyefeso-Granddaughter
My dearest grandma, you truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories will always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for me. Most especially your consistent prayers, I know you are in a much better place. I will be forever grateful and thankful that you are my grandmother.
–Miju-Granddaughter
Grandma, you were a wonderful person, someone who made sure my life never lacked any prayers. Even though I didn’t know you as long as I would have loved to, the time I spent with you has impacted me greatly. I hear amazing stories about your bravery, compassion, tenacity, and resilience every day and I’m confident that heaven has gained another beautiful son
–Ivana Alufa-Granddaughter
My dearest Grandma, Grandma Ado as we fondly refer to you. You will be remembered always as you live on in heaven. Although I didn’t get to spend as much time as I would’ve loved to with you, the memories I have of you always bring smiles to my face. I’ll always remember your affectionate prayers. You’ll never be forgotten. I miss you Grandma. Rest In Peace.
–Janelle Alufa-Granddaughter
I’m glad I was able to fellowship with you while you were still alive, it meant so much to me! I have heard a lot of beautiful stories about you and how you loved the Lord, and my heart is full of Joy because I’m rest assured that you are resting in the bosom of the Lord. Rest on grandma! Rest on God’s army!
–Chinenye Emmanuel Aina-Granddaughter in law
My grandmother lived a very long and fulfilling life and was able to not only watch her own children grow but her grandchildren as well, the time iwent to visit my grandma although she was getting older, she still knew who iwas and always had a big smile on her face that just shows you the type of joy she had.
-Adedamola Ade-Jagun-Grandson
My dearest grandma, you truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories will always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for me. Most especially your consistent prayers, I know you are in a much better place. I will be forever grateful and thankful that you are my grandmother.
–AdemijuAde-Jagun-Granddaughter
My dearest Grandma. Thank you. Although the time to make memories with you has been cut short, I thank you for the lessons, prayers and stories you have instilled to the Alufaclan, that will be passed down from generations to generations. My grandma was a soldier, that lived to see 97 years of age , a statistic that only about 3 percent of the population will ever achieve. Your life was extraordinary. And will be remembered always. I love you always
–Adedoyin Ade-Jagun–Granddaughter
I love you grandma –You truly were a special, special grandma.You may have passed on, but your memories would always live on with us. Thank you for your care and love and everything that you have done for us.I know you are in heaven. I’ll miss you.
–JJ Alufa-Grandson
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