The Ibadan’s social establishment has been thrown into deep mourning with the death of Princess Adeola Adedoyin Adeyemi (@iamomoobaife).
She was a businesswoman and socialite who shuttled between UK and Nigeria. She died at 56. She passed away in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom after a brief illness. The news of her death, like a tall tale, came in early Monday morning of September 16, 2024.
The sad news sent shock waves among family, friends and associates of the deceased. It was so shocking. Many of her friends, especially those who spoke with her few hours earlier before the bad news, are still in shock.
In fact, some of them find the news difficult to believe initially. While death is a debt that all men must pay, some deaths however come with a lot of surprises. One of such is Adeola’s. Of course, it was very hard to believe that Princess Adeola, who was full of life with no sign of any kind of sickness whatsoever during her mum’s burial a few weeks ago, could be dead just like that.
Her mother, Mrs. Henrietta Davies was buried in grand style on Friday, 30 August, 2024. The funeral reception was held the following day at Otunba Abayomi Oduntan Hall of The Cathedral of St. James the Great Oke-Bola, Ibadan. The party attracted many of Adeola’s friends from far and near to Ibadan. Some of them even flew in from UK and other parts of the world for the party. The turnout was massive. Same as Ibadan’s social establishment experienced a total shutdown on her 50th birthday party at Jogor Events Centre, some years ago. That was a testament to the fact that Aderonke was loved and respected within the social circle. The beautiful Adeola was not only sociable but also successful as a businesswoman. She was a professional nurse in the UK and was into gift items and souvenirs business in Nigeria.
Princess Adeola, in her lifetime, was an ever bubbling and a likeable personality. Her connection cuts across different sectors and had both old and young ones as friends. She was, as a matter of fact, a mentor to several younger ladies in business and on the social scene. That explains why Princess Adeola would be solely missed not only by her immediate family but also friends and associates.
Little wonder that Laide Lanre Badmus, a very close mentee of Adeola, described her sudden passing as rude and shocking. Badmus, the Principal Partner at Purifoy Seven Drops on Ten and LLB Foundation, wrote: “My Aunty Deola, nobody gets over the death of a loved one, especially a sudden, rude & shocking one like yours, I’ll only get used to you being gone forever…I might have lost you to the other side, but your love will live on forever in my heart..Till eternity Aunt Dee”.
Again, many of Adeola’s friends would have wished for her to one day, probably on her 60th birthday or something, share the special grace and goodness of God upon her life. But death couldn’t allow that to happen. Or what miracle could have been bigger than having a child at over 50. That exactly was what God did in Princess Adeola’s life. She gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at over 50 and after several years of waiting.
Princess Adeola Adedoyin Adeyemi, born on July 14, 1968 in Ibadan, was an accomplished businesswoman and a socialite per excellence. She was an alumna of the prestigious St Teresa’s College, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. She was a member of the Oyo State chapter of the St Teresa’s College Old Girls’ Association (STCOGA). Princess Adeola, until her death, was the National Social Secretary, past Vice President of STCOGA, and past Coordinator of STCOGA Oyo State chapter.
That is why STCOGA, in other to preserve Adeola’s memory, has created a forever missed page in which tributes have been coming in turns. The tributes are just too numerous.
“We are all saddened by the untimely passage of our Sister and Friend, Adeola, our amiable national social Secretary, Past Vice President of STCOGA, and past Coordinator of STCOGA Oyo State Chapter.
She was an invaluable member of STCOGA, a Bridge builder and unifier who wanted the best for each and every one. Her Contributions, dedication and kindred spirit were a vital part of the association and this would be sorely missed.
Praying that the good Lord will comfort her family and all the loved ones she has left behind. Rest on in the bossom of your maker,” the Association wrote on the platform. In her tribute, Linda Macartney wrote: “There are no words for the loss of this beautiful girl. I met Adeola on her first night at Muckamore Abbey Hospital and realised she was a special person from that moment, not only was Adeola an experienced professional nurse, she was popular and good to those under her care. She worked effortlessly in extremely challenging circumstances. Her smile and beautiful soul touched the hearts of staff and patients alike. A stunning girl and a real lady, glad to have known you beautiful Adeola, I imagine you sparkled like a diamond everyday of your life.”
Another associate, Graciana Mpotle wrote: “Your last days left a colourful and a smile on many faces.You were so radiant, jovial, full of life and loving. I will treasure my last days with you, woman of colour.” Grace Carey in her tribute said, “I am so sorry to hear of Adeola’s untimely passing. We both worked together in Muckamore Hospital. Adeola always had a smile on her face and was so kind and compassionate to others. She was so full of life, her happiness and smiles were contagious. It was a pleasure to have worked with her. My deepest sympathies to her family and close friends. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
“Though our time together was brief, your impact was immense. You were so full of life, vibrant and strong, you showed a warmth and kindness that will never be forgotten. It’s hard to believe that someone who seemed so healthy and alive is no longer with us. Your energy was contagious, your smile, uplifting, and your spirit, unforgettable. We never imagined we would lose you so soon, and the shock of your passing is still fresh. You touched so many lives with your presence, and your absence leaves a void we can hardly comprehend. You have left us too soon, but the memories of your strength and vitality will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Aunty. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten,” Titilope Alarape penned.
Mrs. Teju Ibukunoluwa wrote: Beautiful Soul, Gone Too Soon!
“This is the last thing I can imagine doing today, Sister Deola or Senior Deola as I fondly called you. These past 3 days have been so hard for me to bear your painful Exit to glory. You called me on Friday, we had our usual chit chat and told you I would be coming to Belfast to spend the weekend with you in October not knowing it would never happen.
What I admired most about you was your unwavering optimism – even in the face of tough challenges, you remained resilient. You were so sweet, generous, kind and a pillar of strength and encouragement for those around you.
I’ll never forget the 90th Anniversary of STC when we worked together as part of the Planning Committee. I loved your energy, enthusiasm, passion and hard work in, making sure we all had a good time, despite the fact you just had your son, Oluwadunsin at that time. You made so much impact in the lives of everyone you know.
Who are we to Question God… He is a faithful God. As we bid farewell to you Sister Deola, we will always remember the memories, we shared. Though you may no longer walk beside us, You will continue to live on in our hearts forever. Sleep on dear Big Sis. in the bosom of our Lord. Good night, my Princess”
-Dare Adeniran
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