In her lifetime, she was a great woman. In death she was even greater. All those who have paid tributes to late Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu (KJW) have had nice things to say about this woman who was Yeye-Mode of Iperu, Yeye Oba of Odogbolu and Iya -Apesin of Lagos.
Her husband, Sir Kesington Adebukola Adebutu the Odole-Oodua of the source eulogised her and described her as a Soul Traveller and My Personal Person.
One of her son’s, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu described her as A Selfless Mother. He revealed that his mum lived a life of sacrifice…to God be the Glory. According to Lado, who is the Ogun PDP governorship candidate, “without you, things would have been very different. Rest in peace…till we meet to part no more…love you…
Her daughter, Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola Olorode also wrote a tribute to her Mother. According to her, Thursday, January 19th, 2023, around 9.50 pm sitting in the living room of my house, I felt extremely cold that I had to get up and switch off the air-conditioner. Unknown to me at this precise time, my darling beloved mother was transiting into glory for a well-deserved rest. This Day And Moment Will Never Be Forgotten For The Rest of My Life”.
“A new phase began in my life.
The next twenty-four hours were like a dream. I was the first to contact the hospital and got the news that our dear mother had passed on. Breaking the news to my father, siblings, and immediate family was my next major task. Not the type of job you want to perform.
YEYEMODE – how or where do I begin to write about you? As your first daughter, I was your confidant for many things and witnessed significant periods of your life.
During my early years, I was your ‘handbag’ and always loved the outings with my Mum. I will especially cherish the last couple of years with you; I learned a lot about courage and endurance in facing challenges and difficulties. Thank God for giving me the opportunity to care
for you during your “last years.”
My mother was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman-beautiful both inside and outside, a businesswoman before she retired to care for her growing family – biological and non-biological children-a hardworking woman who was also a prayer warrior.
Her l o v e for her husband was unconditional: he was always the center of her life, and she was the binding force for the family. Thank you, ‘Caro,’ ‘Mama Ladi,’ as your husband called you, for being a devoted wife to your husband to the very end.
YEYEMODE, as she was fondly called by so many, was a loving mother to both her biological and non-biological children.
Her biological children are very grateful for the numerous sacrifices she made for us to be what we are today, and these sacrifices are too numerous to count.
Throughout all the important milestones of our lives, she was always there during highly challenging times.
Mummy, Thank You, Your Sacrifices Will Never Be Forgotten.
Dame, you gave selflessly for the work of God and the men of God. You stood in the gap for us in the place of prayer. My mother was a channel of blessing to many people. So many testimonies have poured in after your passing.
Yeyemode sun re o, you will be forever missed.
Another son, Mr. Ajibola Adebutu also wrote a tribute. My Darling Mother.
As I write this tribute, the word that keeps popping into my head is SELFLESS. I have never met anyone who gave so much, even at her own expense.
I can still remember vividly when you fell in the bath and broke your arm on a Saturday but still came to visit me in school the following day, Sunday, even though you were in so much discomfort because you did not want me to be disappointed that you missed my visiting day.
Since you went to be with the saints, I have heard so many stories of the impact you made in their lives, even from people I am not familiar with.
Your title, YEYEMODE is so apt; you were a mother to all children, not only yours.
I miss you so much, but I am comforted that you are in a better place, resting from all struggles, labor, and pain.
Rest in peace, Yeyemode of heaven.
Pastor (Mrs.) Abolanle Matel-Okoh, one of the daughters of the deceased wrote a tribute.
“Mum is dead”- Three words that would rock my world forever.
I have put away writing this tribute for so long because there is still a part of me that is struggling to adjust to the new normal of life without my Mummy. My Mum was (It is difficult to write about her in the past tense) an integral part of my life for the past 53 years, and she is simply unforgettable!
Mum was ever present even when she was not present physically. I have always been guided by her love, wisdom, and spirit of generosity.
My mother was my first role model, the true epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. Her unconditional love and devotion to her husband and children were undeniable. I witnessed her willingness to make sacrifices for her family over and over again; she did this so effortlessly. No sacrifice was too great to be made for us; I remember her selling her jewelry to pay for my sister’s school fees. I had a conversation with her about it, and her response was, “What kind of mother would I be wearing expensive jewelry when my daughter needs money to pay her school fees?”
All through the five years, I spent in secondary school in Benin City, my mum never missed a visiting day or an opportunity to see me except when she had to take my brother overseas for medical treatment. Everyone knew my mum’s car because of the frequency of her visits. One time she came to visit, my housemate came to find me and announced that “Bolanle, your Mum is here again.” When she was away, she kept in touch with me by writing occasional letters filled with love, care, and words of wisdom.
Mum was remarkable; you still felt her love even when she was upset with you. She was a woman of faith and was very intentional about passing this legacy she received from her mother to her children. She constantly stressed the value of doing good even when people don’t necessarily deserve it. She fought many spiritual battles on her knees, and God gave her victory over and over again. Even now, she has triumphed over death and is rejoicing with the angels in Heaven.
She took great pride in her role as a Grandmother, and I have many fond memories of her love and care for my children. She had a unique way of connecting with each of them; they would do anything for their grandma. One time she came to visit us in the United States, she had difficulty going up the stairs; my son scooped her up and carried her up. We all had a good laugh because she was so scared of falling and kept calling on Jesus…
Her strength and dignity, even in the most challenging circumstances, were inspiring. In the last few years, it has given me great joy to reverse roles and have the opportunity to somewhat I repay her for her many years of love and devotion by caring for her to the best of my ability. I am also grateful to have been able to say goodbye to her in my own “special way.” She knew how much that would mean to me, so she waited for me. She passed away the next day after I got to Nigeria to see her.
“Yeyemode,” as we fondly called her, was indeed a Mother to all. In the days since her passing, I have heard many people recount sweet stories about my mum and refer to her as “Our Mum.” This has brought me some measure of comfort and joy.
Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all, Mummy. Thank you for giving
me the necessary foundation to be all I have become. Like you always said, “You have escorted us to the place where we should not be afraid.”
Your legacy is assured, and by God’s grace, we will continue to make you proud in Jesus’ name. I love you loads and miss you so very much. Thank you for all you have done, you fought the good fight of faith to the very end, and I look forward to seeing your smile again on resurrection morning!!!
Another darling daughter, Mrs. Adeyemi Olusoji also wrote a Tribute To My Sweet Mother, Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu
“Iye mi” as I fondly called you, I knew this tribute would need to be written after you slipped into eternity to be with the Lord on Thursday 19th January 2023. My precious and deeply beloved mother, how do I begin to capture more than 50 years of your impact in my life in only a few words?
Your heart was lovely, pure, compassionate, God-fearing and God-honoring. When you love, you loved fiercely and completely. The love you have for God and people motivated you to give, give and keep giving of yourself. You were always sacrificing for the good and well being of others: your husband, children, extended family members and pretty much everyone that God caused to pass your way in your journey through life.
I admired your love for, and devotion to your husband, my father, and your commitment to marriage and family life.
This inspired me to look for true love, which by God’s grace I found.
You were a ‘Mother Hen’ in the true sense of the word. You were a nurturer, you were caring, thoughtful and protective. You had six biological children but you raised many more children than you possibly could count. Your title “YEYEMODE” aptly captures the essence of who you were.
When I look back at all the significant seasons of my life, you were there, rock solid, providing your unflinching support! No obstacle could stand on your way of been there for the daughter you loved so much. It is a general consensus that of all your children I am the one that looks like you the most, this always brings me so much joy because not only did you give me your beautiful face, you also imparted me with your beautiful spirit.
Mum, you fought many battles in your lifetime but you always emerged victorious because God ‘gave you the victory. You were brave, strong, resilient with a faith and confidence in God that never wavered. I saw that faith in your mother and sure enough you have passed it down to me, I am also passing it down to my children by God’s grace.
Living far away from home in Lagos, I was always concerned that I might possibly not be close to you when you were going to take your exit out of this world. I am grateful to God that I was able to connect with you closely, the few days leading to your transition to glory and most especially I got to pray with you about an hour before your maker whom you loved so dearly called you to Himself.
Rest well, rest well, rest well my beautiful, greatly beloved Mother. See you on resurrection morning. Stay glorious in your heavenly garment.
I love you so much and I miss you dearly”.
Her son, Mr. Olusegun Adebutu wrote a Tribute also titled To My Mother,
“I took forever to write this. Saying too little to me would be an injustice; saying too much would perhaps be seen as an exaggeration. It also meant that I’d have to accept the finality of this loss.
As I write this, I have tears in my eyes. I’m trying not to cry – I suppose, because I still want to obey her and not be too saddened, as this would be her wish. It’s hard though – very hard; Virtually impossible.
Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu nee Jaiyesimi – I opened my dictionary searching for synonyms that more eloquently described her qualities: Kind, Loving, Giving, Special, Great & most importantly mother; no words seemed appropriate. Nothing will ever convince me that we deserved her.
I was very ill as a child, and she was with me 24/7. By my estimation she was with me everyday, all day for a decade because she knew I needed her, she failed to realize that she was wrong – what we failed to realize was; I will always need her.
I will need her guidance when my children need advice; when they need me to comfort them, I will need her to remind me how she comforted me – so I can perhaps be the good parent to them as she was an exceptional parent to me.
I had lost my mind but regained it when I said my “hasta manana”!! (Until later). No finality to that.
Visiting her the day after she left us, a few things came to mind: I promised that I would build her monuments and celebrate her in countless ways. A voice in my head spoke to me saying that though that was okay, the proper way to celebrate her would be to live a life worthy of the sacrifices she made for me and everyone whose love she shaped and changed.
So, I say to all of us that had the privilege and grace to have been close to her:
When you have a problem that you have no way out of (or right to get out of) and by some miracle there’s a solution; When you feel down on your luck and somehow there’s a turnaround; it’s because God has granted you mercy and grace.
But make no mistake, he recognizes those pleading your case, people that have pleased him like the generations of Abraham. You don’t have to guess too much who one of those people fighting your fight will be.
I celebrate you Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu. I love you Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu. Yeyemode Oladunni Adebutu; mother of mothers.
But first she was mine – my mum. I love you mummy”.
Olanipekun Adebutu also wrote a Tribute To My Sweet Mother
“Death is painful, however death taking a precious jewel like you is even more painful.
You are an amazing woman with a good heart who cared so much for your family.
You contributed to the development of every single person you met on your path and you never seized to be an inspiration to all.
Thank you, Big Mummy, for loving me and fighting my battles. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Mr. Adebisi Adebutu also wrote. A Son’s Tribute To A Loving Mother
Big Mummy was a remarkable woman and a loving mother who touched the lives of so many.
She was a woman of great warmth, compassion, and love, who treated me with care and affection.
Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and she will always be remembered for her selfless nature.
Her strength and determination in the face of adversity was an inspiration to us all. Her spirit and memory will live on in our hearts forever.
I honour her today and mummy finds the place prepared for her by the Almighty in the next life, knowing that she was loved and that she made a positive impact on all our lives.
Sincerely,
Another daughter Ms Adetokunbo Adebutu also wrote a Tribute titled A Daughter’s Tribute To Dame Caroline Adebutu.
“It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to a woman who was not only a mother to her children but to all those blessed to have known her. Our beloved Mother passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness that will forever be remembered.
Growing up, Mummy instilled in us the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the necessity of treating others with kindness. She was always there for us children with open arms, a listening ear, and a heart full of love. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and I am grateful to have had her as my mother.
I will never forget the special moments I shared with her, from the holidays spent around the dinner table to the time she devoted to caring for me while I was unwell. Her love and care knew no bounds, and I am forever grateful.
Mummy was more than just a mother to us; she was a friend, a confidant, and a role model. She made me feel just as loved as my biological mother, and I am forever grateful for the love and acceptance she gave me. She took pride in my accomplishments and was always amongst my biggest cheerleaders, including in my academic pursuits. I will miss her smile, laugh, and gentle touch, but I take comfort in knowing that she faithfully discharged her duties in this life.
Thank you, Mummy, for being the best mother anyone could ask for.
You will always be loved and never forgotten.
May you find that place ordained for you by the Almighty Father in the beyond.
With love and fond memories.
Mr. Babatunde Adebutu also wrote a Tribute To My Dear Mother
“Mummy was an amazing woman whose legacy will leave on through the multitude of us who were recipients of her love and kindness.
She was a mother to us all and she touched the lives of many with her goodwill and that is evident from the outpouring of love from so many on her passing.
We celebrate the great life you lived mummy and we take solace in the fact that you are no longer in pain and we pray she finds eternal rest in the arms of the Lord”.
Temitope Adebutu-Obasanjo also wrote a Tribute To My Sweet Mother
“The outpouring of love towards the Adebutu family, since the passing of our Matriarch, Dame Caroline Oladunni Adebutu KJW, JP is evident of the good soul that Big Mummy, as she was fondly called is. Little wonder that she was called Yeyemode (mother of all Children) also. Her love for all her children was unparalleled and non-negotiable.
We are thankful for the impactful life that she lived, both individually and collectively as a family.
May the Almighty God grant her gentle soul eternal rest in his bosom”.
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