On Friday, 3rd December, 2021, all roads led to Igbotako, Okitipupa in Ondo State for the celebration of life of Olori Omolola Cecilia Omogbehin who passed on at 87. The funeral service took place at St. John The Anglican Church, Igbotako, Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Below is the story of late Olori Cecilia Omolola Omogbehin was born in Ode Irele, to the prominent family of late Arogbo of Ode Irele High Chief John Akinseye and late Princess Catherine Biruoseni Nagban Akinseye of the Kalasuwe Royal Dynasty in Ijaw – Apoi. Mama Olori Omolola was born in 1934.
She was the second born of 4 children of her mother. Mama grew up in Ode-Irele, and her early years were full of fun and harmonious family life, though her father was blessed with many children.
Her father was a renowned goldsmith and traditional leader in his generation while her mother, Princess Catherine was a trader and devout Catholic. Mama Olori Omolola Omogbehin joined her mother in herfish business and assorted materials trading very early in life. She sacrificed her primary school education in order to assist her mother to educate her siblings because her father never believed in “girl-child” education. Her early experience and business skills took her far and wide, and later in life helped her to draw wealth despite her not having a formal education.
FAMILY LIFE
Cecilia Omolola grew up to become a very beautiful damsel who regaled in a godly character and outstanding qualities.
These qualities were the points of attraction that caught the attention of her late husband Prince Cameron Adekunle Adeoye Omogbehin of the Rebuja Okungbemi Royal Family of Igbotako – Osooro in the Okitipupa Divisional Area. They got married in 1960. Late Prince Adekunle Adeoye amongst many of his endeavours; was an educationist, community leader and a mentor to numerous sons and daughters of Ikale, and beyond. Their union was blessed with male and female children.
Mama was hospitable, disciplined and possessed the Biblical description of The Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31. Mama worked tirelessly to single-handedly raise and bring to success many children who are now adults including her own biological children in her house, even after the demise of her husband in 1985. Olori Omolola inculcated the fear of God and the right virtues in her children. She will be surely remembered for her care, and shows of love to people that came her way.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
Out of resilience hard work, discipline and God’s guidance, Olori Omolola Qmogbehin established Ore – Ofe Business Enterprises in the 1960s as an extension of her trading activities, which she started before her marital life. Despite all the challenges she faced from business rivalry she stood like an amiable woman who through the dint of hard work and socialisation became a household name.
By virtue of her provision of services like Entertainments, Petroleum Products, Agricultural-Produce, Drinks, Foods, Rentals and Stationaries, Sundries, Newspapers and Magazines. Ore-Ofe was unarguably the soul centre of relaxation for all during her time.
It was a rallying point for University Students, Travellers, Traders, Youth Corps Members, Transporters and so on. There was always something for everybody that visited. She was aptly described by Otunba Dr. Paul Akintelure as an example of “anything big starts small” and her entrepreneurial quality paid off in the business tendencies of her offspring.
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CHRISTIAN AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Olori Cecilia loved God above all things, and her faith in Christ Jesus came first in all her dealings with people. She was an active member of St John the Baptist Anglican Church in the Diocese of Coast, till her last breath. She spent most of her time in prayer and contributed immensely towards meeting various needs of the Church. She was a community mobiliser and counsellor to the younger generation on comportments, contentment, integrity and respect.
Mama was loved by all for her warmness, openness and helping hands. She remained a Christian until her glorious passage onto eternity on Monday, 6th September 2021. Mama Olori Omolola will be fondly remembered for her happy and generous life filled of care and showers of love to all people. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.
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